Anutin Says Opposition's 18-Minister No-Confidence Move Expected
Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said he is not worried about the opposition's no-confidence debate targeting 18 ministers, insisting all cabinet members are ready to respond. He noted it would be strange if no Bhumjaithai ministers were included and said weekly party meetings keep everyone informed. Anutin added that the opposition’s move is within its rights, though he questioned whether it has full parliamentary support after the Klaitham Party withdrew.
Anutin said he would examine which topics relate to which minister and have that minister respond, as they know the details best. He explained that the clarification is meant to inform the public on every issue, and that he cannot answer detailed questions about each ministry’s work; instead, he assigns responsibility to the relevant minister or deputy premier. He added that permanent officials will gather information and set up a working room to provide data for ministers, so he does not need to answer every matter personally. He noted he had not yet read the specifics of the opposition’s allegations but had seen a summary indicating which of the 18 ministers are implicated. When asked whether filing a no-confidence debate against 18 ministers amounted to a fishing expedition due to lack of information, Anutin said it is the opposition’s right to submit whatever motions they can, provided they have the necessary parliamentary support. He then asked reporters whether the opposition indeed had enough votes; they confirmed they could file the motion but lacked the Klaitham Party, which had withdrawn from the opposition bloc earlier. Anutin remarked, “Oh, so Klaitham didn’t join, then why not?” Reporters explained that Klaitham had left the opposition whip, saying its intention was to focus on broader issues rather than scrutinize government performance. Anutin simply replied, “Yes.”
