Deputy PM Dismisses No-Confidence Debate as Rhetoric, Jokes About Heart
Deputy Prime Minister Songsak Thongsi dismissed the no‑confidence debate as mere rhetoric, joking that the motion’s claim of his ‘rotting heart’ meant he might need a doctor. He said it is normal for the opposition to scrutinize the government and that his side is ready to answer, while rejecting accusations of corruption and greed. He added that most of the debate centers on the Senate selection case, but he awaits specific questions before commenting further.
Speaking at 09:20 on October 14, 2069 BE at Government House, Deputy Prime Minister Songsak Thongsi addressed the opposition’s no‑confidence motion filed under Article 151, noting that his name appears among the 18 ministers targeted. He said such debates are routine and that the opposition has a duty to examine the government, adding that his team is prepared to answer.
When asked whether he views the accusations as encouraging corruption, shamelessness, a ‘rotting heart’, greed and vote‑buying in the Senate election, Songsak laughed and replied, “I see it as just rhetoric. I’m still confused – if anything, I ought to go to hospital first because my heart is said to be rotting. I don’t understand it, but I continue to work normally.”
He said most of the debate focuses on the case surrounding the Senate selection, but he does not know the exact allegations and wants to hear the questions first, noting that the motion is largely couched in rhetoric rather than concrete facts.
Regarding the debate’s timing, Songsak said it is up to the parliamentary president to place the item on the agenda. On whether 18 ministers being targeted is a large number, he remarked that they are all government ministers and it is for the opposition to decide if that is many, but stressed that ministers have an obligation to respond to questions and explain where they may have fallen short of goals.
Asked if the debate might shift the political equation, he said he does not know what ‘equation’ is being referred to. On the possibility that the opposition might debate individuals who have benefited from government programs, he said he does not know, adding that his own motion should be consulted, though many observers already regard the whole exchange as rhetorical and stressed that the real questions will become clear during the actual debate.
Concerning water‑management issues being turned into a political point, Songsak described rainfall and flooding as natural phenomena, reiterating that the government is already doing its utmost to address them. He said preparations are in place, relief funds have been transferred through the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, and the money is being sent swiftly to eligible households in distress.
