Pheu Thai Confirms Unity for No-Confidence Vote, No New Coalition Parties
Pheu Thai Party leader Julapun Amornvivat confirmed the party will vote as a unified bloc in the upcoming no-confidence debate and expressed full confidence in the targeted ministers. He also ruled out any immediate plans to expand the coalition, stating the Prime Minister has not signaled a desire to add new partners and that the current government stability is sufficient.
Speaking to reporters before a mobile cabinet meeting at Montathip Hall on November 3, Julapun Amornvivat, in his capacity as Pheu Thai Party leader, addressed the festive atmosphere at a cabinet dinner on November 2 where he sang karaoke alongside Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. Julapun described the gathering as a well-earned break for a cabinet that has worked hard for over six months, noting that the two parties have proven they can work together effectively and share a long-standing relationship.
Asked whether the upbeat mood signaled that the Bhumjaithai Party would not be brought into the coalition, Julapun declined to overinterpret, stating that government stability is already sufficient. He emphasized that any decision to expand the coalition rests solely with the Prime Minister, and that coalition partners respect each other's decisions as mandated by the Constitution.
Regarding whether coalition leaders must consult each other before adding new parties, Julapun said such discussions are normal but confirmed that no signals or talks about coalition composition have occurred recently; discussions have focused solely on solving public problems.
Pressed on whether Pheu Thai would vote as a bloc to support ministers targeted in the no-confidence debate, Julapun affirmed the party has never fractured and will listen to the debate before deciding. He expressed full confidence that the Prime Minister and the ministers under scrutiny can answer every charge. By political convention, coalition partners must stand ready to support the government to achieve the primary goal of solving the people's problems.
Asked if the Prime Minister is confident of Pheu Thai's votes, Julapun replied that the Premier has never doubted them from the start. On whether Pheu Thai would scrutinize issues raised by public oversight before voting, Julapun said they would hear the explanations but expressed 100% confidence in the ministers' ability to clarify matters. He added that while the vote has not yet taken place, he trusts Pheu Thai's party discipline.
