Nattapong Challenges Ministers to Respond in No‑Confidence Debate
Opposition leader Nattapong Ruengpanyawut urged ministers to answer immediately in the upcoming no‑confidence debate, dismissing government taunts over 'entertainment democracy' as a sideshow. He said his party is prepared to submit evidence to oversight agencies if needed, while stressing that any minister’s fate depends on parliamentary votes. Nattapong called for a lively, real‑time exchange of views rather than prepared replies.
Nattapong Ruengpanyawut said he wants a genuine exchange of views during the no‑confidence debate, not a situation where ministers wait for others to prepare their replies. He stressed that if ministers are well prepared and have the facts at hand, they should be able to respond at any time during the debate. He noted that while he has seen some of the evidence that could be used in a 'salting' strategy, the detailed knowledge lies more with his colleague Rangsiman Rome, who is leading the no‑confidence campaign for the People's Party.
Regarding the possibility of removing ministers from office, Nattapong said the first step is securing enough votes in parliament, but the party also plans to submit any pertinent evidence to oversight agencies for further action. He explained that the list of 18 ministers under discussion was compiled from submissions by each party, and the goal is not to target any specific individual but to have all parties vote based on the substance of the debate.
When asked why certain ministers, such as those from the Pheu Thai Party, were not included, he said the selection followed the evidence and the names put forward by parties in their motions, not a deliberate attempt to avoid or target anyone. He added that the same applies to Agriculture Minister Suriya Juangruangkit, whose name will be considered based on the evidence presented in the actual debate.
Finally, on the recurring theme of 'entertainment democracy' and the attacks on Piboon, Nattapong said he has already addressed the issue many times and sees no need to revisit it.
