Opposition Ready for No-Confidence Debate, Urges Govt to Clear Schedule
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Opposition leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut confirmed the opposition is ready for the no-confidence debate and would accept a reduced four-day timeframe if given time to coordinate among opposition parties. He said, based on the prime minister's calendar, the debate could be fitted in as early as next week or the week after, noting that weekends are also available since parliament does not have to recess on Saturdays and Sundays.
Speaking at parliament on October 26 at 09:30, Natthaphong, a party-list MP and leader of the People's Party, addressed progress in negotiating the date and time for the general debate and no-confidence vote against individual ministers under Section 151 of the Constitution. He stressed that the opposition does not want the motion to be delayed beyond the current session, something he has never seen in his political career, and expressed confidence that House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha intends to schedule it in time.
Natthaphong acknowledged the cabinet's schedule may be tight but believes it can be managed. The opposition has sought a five-day, 60-hour framework to cover all 18 ministers but has shown flexibility. If reduced to four days, the opposition needs time to coordinate internally because cutting content or speakers affects not only the People's Party but all opposition allies. He urged the government to quickly clear its own calendar and state when it will be ready to face scrutiny.
Asked about a possible delay into December, Natthaphong said the government has not formally shared its schedule, but behind-the-scenes information suggests the prime minister's and cabinet's agendas could accommodate the debate if managed well. Some ministerial duties, including those of Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, could be rescheduled, and weekends remain an option. He implied the government may be less ready for scrutiny than it claims.
Regarding a cabinet reshuffle, Natthaphong said non-foreign-affairs portfolios like Phumtham's could be adjusted by the government itself, though he does not know the full details. He pointed to a pattern of Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul avoiding parliamentary questioning and government representatives frequently dodging interpellation, suggesting the administration does not prioritize parliamentary accountability. Natthaphong reiterated the opposition is ready any week; only the government's readiness remains uncertain.
