File photo courtesy of Thairath

 

The political landscape in Thailand is heating up as the opposition remains resolute about including references to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in their censure motion against Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

 

This unfolds even as House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha recommended expunging such references to facilitate the imminent debate scheduled for later this month.

 

Opposition leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut confirmed the decision yesterday, signalling potential stalemate risks in this high-stakes parliamentary showdown.

 

The upcoming debate might hang in balance as Mr Wan criticised the motion framed against Thaksin, who, unable to attend, would not be present to defend himself. Moreover, the House Speaker expressed concerns that including Thaksin could expose him to defamation lawsuits.

 

Despite these warnings, the opposition maintains its position, viewing Thaksin's involvement in his daughter's administration as a vital point to address during the censure discourse. Mr Natthaphong indicated plans to formally express discontent with Mr Wan's suggestion shortly, emphasising the urgency and significance of the issue.

Should the House Speaker refuse to entertain the debate with the motion intact, the opposition hinted at undisclosed measures, though Mr Natthaphong assured there's room for negotiation to resolve the impasse before the parliamentary session wraps up.

 

In the midst of this political tug-of-war, Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai reminded that ultimate authority over the motion rests with Mr Wan.

 

He suggested that continued dialogue between government and opposition whips could bridge differences, adhering to parliamentary meeting regulation No.176, which discourages unnecessary third-party mentions in censure motions.

 

For context, this isn’t a novel predicament for the Thai parliament. Notably, Pheu Thai MP Wisut Chainarun, also the chief government whip, mentioned that the debate's scheduling hinges on Mr Wan's decision to table the motion first.

 

Adding to the historical narrative, opposition MP Rangsiman Rome remarked that Mr Wan himself initiated a similar motion in 2019 when he was in opposition.

 

The stakes are high, and as the clock ticks towards the censure debate deadline, all eyes are on how the tug-of-war over procedural nuances and political narratives will unfold in the House, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2025-03-12

 

 

5 hours ago, webfact said:

references to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra

If he has had a hand in running the government, legally or not, he should be mentioned so that people understand the depth of his interference.

Seems like the speaker is over extending his hand a little...

Might be time to check back into the "hospital" with a rare life-threatening medical condition.