Thai Minister Mocks Opposition's No-Confidence Move
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suthichai Chommeng dismissed the opposition's repeated no‑confidence motions as a sign of their inexperience, insisting he must have great influence to be targeted each time. He urged lawmakers to base parliamentary debate on facts and warned that motions aimed merely at discrediting rivals could stem from personal grudges. The minister also noted his solid, long‑term relationship with the Palang Pracharath Party and said he does not need to seek their support.
The minister said that, as a long-serving minister, he expects to be included in every no-confidence list, interpreting it as a sign of his perceived influence. He added that he is ready to explain all issues but insists that lawmakers speak only facts in parliament and avoid spreading misconceptions. When asked about preparing for the broad motion, he said it is normal for the opposition to frame issues from their perspective, while his side must rely on factual evidence to counter them.
Regarding the possibility that People's Party MP Rakchanok Srinong would target him, he said she likely has nothing new to say because she repeats the same points daily. Asked whether Pheu Thai might block the debate, he replied that such matters are decided by senior leaders who negotiated the coalition, and raising such questions could harm intra‑party relations and is therefore dangerous.
On reports that the People's Party has not filed no‑confidence motions against Pheu Thai ministers while former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has sought amnesty, he said that if the opposition submits motions based on solid evidence or performance, they must be considered; however, motions aimed solely at discrediting a particular group may stem from personal grudges.
When questioned whether the move intends to create problems for coalition partners, he dismissed it as childish thinking, saying the opposition’s inexperience is evident. Pressed further on whether he believes the debate will not fracture the coalition, he exclaimed “Oh dear” before noting that the opposition leader is still politically immature, likening him to a novice monk.
He also confirmed his good ties with the Palang Pracharath Party, stating that when the no‑confidence motion was signed, Palang Pracharath was not involved, and thanked them because their long‑standing friendship means they understand each other's character, adding that one does not need to ask for their support because trust is built on knowing one another's nature.
Finally, when asked if his characterization of the opposition as “children” means he is confident the government cannot be toppled, he said the opposition likely has nothing substantive to do and treats the debate as political colour, adding that if there is nothing else to do, they will still proceed.
