Defense Minister Confident Ahead of No‑Confidence Debate
Defense Minister Lieutenant General Adul Bunthamacharoen expressed confidence ahead of the parliamentary no‑confidence debate, saying he will answer questions on submarine and frigate acquisitions and the southern insurgency based on facts. He noted that his civil service record has never been subject to complaints or investigations and welcomed scrutiny as a chance to improve transparency. The minister also mentioned that the end of Buddhist Lent is a time for merit‑making, referencing the tradition of receiving Kathina robes.
Speaking after a Cabinet meeting on October 20, 2026, Lieutenant General Adul Bunthamacharoen, the Defense Minister, told reporters that the opposition’s planned no‑confidence debate is a normal parliamentary mechanism and that he welcomes scrutiny. He said the Ministry of Defense operates according to law and regulation, and he is prepared to respond to any questions—about submarine and frigate purchases, military structure, or the southern border unrest—with factual evidence. Adul noted that the submarine and frigate deals were initiated before his tenure, so he will review existing documents before answering. Regarding the southern provinces, he said he, as a special government representative, is open to discussion and believes transparency improves when agencies can review the work. He urged the opposition to base questions on facts, avoid slander, and confirmed he has never been complained against or investigated during his career. When asked about a recent ministry order appointing Air Chief Marshal Prapras Sonjai‑dee to lead a new ministerial team, he said it was not specifically for debate preparation, though internal discussion is needed. He reiterated that he alone will answer the interpellation questions.
