Bangkok: The leader of the opposition party, Nattapong Ruangpanyawut, has avoided assigning a rating to Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s administration. Instead, he emphasized the importance of adhering to the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) and indicated that questions about dissolving parliament should be directed to Anutin himself. Nattapong stated his readiness to perform his duties fully if a no-confidence motion is submitted, while also expressing the need for constitutional amendments to facilitate the country’s progress.

According to Thai News Agency, during an interview, Mr. Nattapong, leader of the People’s Party and the opposition in the House of Representatives, was asked whether he would accept the government’s continued presence in power if constitutional amendments were successful using the border situation as a justification. He assured that the opposition remains committed to assisting the public on all significant issues, including constitutional amendments and border management. He stres
sed that the government must manage these situations effectively while adhering to the MOA.

Amid discussions of an early parliamentary dissolution by the Prime Minister, Mr. Nattapong noted that such a move would cause no harm if the process aligns with the MOA, including the drafting of a new constitution and a concurrent referendum with the election. He reiterated that the constitutional drafting process should not be hindered by an early dissolution of parliament.

Mr. Nattapong further mentioned that the scrutiny of Anutin’s administration should be issue-specific rather than based on an overall score. He highlighted the international perception of Thailand as an aggressor in the Thai-Cambodian border situation, which he finds concerning. He emphasized the importance of issue-by-issue examination of the administration’s performance.

In the event of a no-confidence motion being filed, Mr. Nattapong stated that the People’s Party’s course of action would depend on the outcomes of the second and third read
ings of the draft constitution. He affirmed the party’s readiness to file a no-confidence motion if the constitutional drafting process fails to comply with the MOA.

Addressing the potential rejection of the draft constitution by one-third of the Senators, Mr. Nattapong said the outcome of the vote in parliament would be crucial. He emphasized the People’s Party’s commitment to ensuring that constitutional amendments remain connected to the people’s interests.

Mr. Nattapong also discussed the decision to support Mr. Anutin as Prime Minister, stating that it was made in the country’s best interests, even if it meant changing Prime Ministers multiple times. He underscored the necessity of reforming the political system for Thailand’s progress and reiterated the party’s readiness to perform its parliamentary duties to the fullest extent.

Finally, when questioned about discussions with the Pheu Thai Party regarding a no-confidence motion, Mr. Nattapong confirmed that the People’s Party has had multiple discuss
ions but has not reached an agreement on submitting such a motion. He affirmed the party’s dedication to scrutinizing the government and ensuring a thorough oversight process.