Anutin Confident Ministers Will Survive No-Confidence Debate
Anutin Charnvirakul expressed confidence that all ministers can defend themselves in the upcoming no‑confidence debate, saying the length and timing will be decided by the parliamentary whip. He welcomed potential support from the Kao Klotham party with a 'Sathu' but denied any pre‑arranged deal, and joked that Deputy Interior Minister Pholpeer Suwanchavee should fear being omitted from the debate. Anutin stressed the government is preparing thoroughly and sees the process as a fair democratic check.
Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Interior Minister, spoke at the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation about the opposition's request for five days to hold a no‑confidence debate. He said the number of days granted would be decided by the whip, and the timing had not yet been set, awaiting discussions among concerned parties who would then inform the government; no coordination had occurred so far. When asked if he had talked with the Pheu Thai party about the debate, Anutin said he had not, and rejected the idea that the opposition's omission of Pheu Thai from its motion aimed to create division within the coalition, noting that allies naturally observe propriety. He affirmed confidence in the coalition's support. Regarding speculation that the Kao Klotham party might back the government, Anutin replied 'Sathu' (amen), adding that though he had not spoken with them, he would welcome their support. He denied any pre‑arranged deal with the Kao Klotham party. Asked whether a cabinet reshuffle would follow the debate, he said he had not considered it. When asked if the Kao Klotham party might join the government afterward, he remarked that those fearing removal were those not named in the debate, noting that many in his own party, Bhumjaithai, actually wanted to be questioned, which made Deputy Interior Minister Pholpeer Suwanchavee—standing behind him—laugh. Anutin then pointed at Pholpeer and said half‑jokingly, 'This one will be nervous about losing the deputy interior post,' prompting Pholpeer to raise his hands in a wai. Reporters noted that all interior ministers except the deputy were listed for questioning, to which Anutin replied, 'Yes, each one looking out for themselves.' On concerns about answering the opposition's questions, Anutin said he worried and would prepare thoroughly, listening closely to opposition queries and taking their suggestions on board, viewing the opposition as advisors. He stressed that the government treats the debate as a fair democratic check, not an attempt to destroy its credibility. When asked what special preparations were being made, Anutin said it was hard to specify, but that every minister must be ready to provide information and clarify any points raised, and he was confident all could do so.
