PM Sets 3-Day No-Confidence Debate for Oct 27-29
The government has allocated three days, October 27‑29, for the opposition’s no‑confidence debate, citing the prime minister’s overseas commitments including APEC and ASEAN summits. Minister Phiradon said the duration is sufficient and dismissed opposition claims of having a decisive advantage, noting the House speaker is still reviewing the motion for constitutional compliance. The debate would lead to a vote on October 30 before the prime minister’s trip abroad.
Minister Phiradon Prisanananthakul reiterated that a three‑day no‑confidence debate is sufficient, explaining that Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has continuous engagements abroad, including APEC and ASEAN meetings, and said he is not worried about opposition claims of having a ‘knockout punch’. Speaking at 07:50 on 16 October 2026 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, Phiradon, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office and government whip, updated on coordination with the House of Representatives regarding the no‑confidence motion, noting that the House speaker is examining whether the motion complies with the constitution. If approved, it will be forwarded to the Cabinet Secretariat for inclusion in the Cabinet meeting to set the debate date, although no such coordination has been received yet. He said the final dates must be negotiated with the opposition, but initially Anutin informed the Cabinet that the government will be available from 27 to 29 October, following a special Cabinet meeting on 26 October, reserving those days for the opposition to debate and vote on 30 October before his overseas travel. Upon return, Anutin will proceed to the World Horticulture Expo in Udon Thani the following week, then attend the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting and the 48th ASEAN Summit, which is why the three‑day window was allocated. When asked whether the government would limit the opposition to just three days instead of the five they requested, Phiradon said the timetable constraints make three days appropriate—neither too much nor too little. Regarding opposition deputy leader Korn Chatikavanij’s claim of possessing a ‘knockout punch’ in the debate, Phiradon said they must wait to hear the arguments, noting that the no‑confidence motion is inherently aimed at criticizing the government, the prime minister and 17 ministers, and that any evidence presented would be answered by ministers ready to respond to every allegation.
