Thailand’s opposition parties have lined up 42 speakers for the censure debate this afternoon (Monday), with half of them targeting Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, who doubles as the defence minister.
Opposition leader Sompong Amornvivat said this morning that it is necessary for opposition MPs to debate the performance of the previous junta-led administration, because some of the key figures in that administration are in the current cabinet.
He assured, however, that the Opposition will obey the orders of House Speaker Chuan Leekpai if there is a protest by government MPs with which Chuan agrees.
Kicking off the debate will be Mr. Sompong, who is expected to spend about half an hour to speak in general about the Government’s failures and under-performance.
He will be followed by Pheu Thai MP Yutthapong Charassathirn of Maha Sarakham, who will touch on alleged conflicts of interest and nepotism by the Prime Minister and those close to him. The debate will take about two hours.
Party list MP Pitha Limcharoenrate, of the now defunct Future Forward party, will focus on the Government’s alleged blunders and shortcomings.
The Prime Minister will bear the brunt of the Opposition’s onslaught today and tonight. The second target will be Deputy Agriculture Minister Thammanat Prompao.
Other ministers facing censure are deputy prime ministers Prawit Wongsuwan and Dr. Wissanu Krea-ngarm, Interior Minister Anupong Paochinda and Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai.
