Anutin Proposes Oct 27-30 for No-Confidence Debate

On October 21 at Parliament, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul addressed the timeframe for the no-confidence debate against ministers under Section 151 of the Constitution. He said whips from the three parliamentary factions would meet today, with the government tasking Minister Attached to the Prime Minister's Office Pharadon Prisananantakul to join the talks.

Anutin explained the government's proposal must fall on dates when ministers — particularly the 18 implicated ministers — have no overseas obligations. The October 27-30 window was chosen because afterward, ministers have international trips including ASEAN and APEC meetings, a mobile cabinet meeting in Udon Thani, and the World Horticulture Expo, plus royal ceremony rehearsals. He said this period ensures all ministers can attend, listen, and respond, and the government will formally notify Parliament.

Anutin added Pharadon may negotiate increased time for the opposition, since ministers' clarifications need not take hours. He stressed responses must be concise, evidence-based, and direct. If dates cannot move, speaking time can be adjusted so neither side is overburdened. Whether the opposition accepts depends on three-way talks.

Asked about potential political shifts post-debate — including a cabinet reshuffle or Kla Party joining the coalition — Anutin said the debate hasn't happened yet and dates aren't finalized. On repeated questions about a possible Bhumjaithai-Kla merger, he insisted on taking things step by step: wait for the debate schedule, hold the debate, then vote. When pressed about media reports of a merger, he retorted, "Who reported it? If journalists reported it, go ask them."