Jakarta:The opposition is advancing with plans to question 18 ministers in a no-confidence debate, demanding that the debate span at least five days. Nattapong Ruangpanyawut, leader of the People's Party and the Opposition in the House of Representatives, has submitted a motion under Article 151 and awaits its inclusion on the parliamentary agenda by the end of October. Nattapong insists that the duration is justified given the number of ministers involved, contrasting it with previous administrations under General Prayut Chan-o-cha and Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

According to Thai News Agency, Nattapong has dismissed the notion of reducing the debate to three days, emphasizing that the allocation should reflect the number of ministers and accusations involved. He criticized claims from several ministers that the motion is akin to "democratic entertainment," insisting that the accusations contained within the motion are serious and grounded in evidence of alleged corruption and misconduct.

He confirmed that the debate aims to hold individual ministers accountable, using standards distinct from judicial procedures but necessary for political accountability. Nattapong suggests that the process may uncover evidence of collusion, particularly in matters like the selection of senators.

The People's Party leader also addressed the exclusion of the Kla Tham Party from the debate, clarifying that it is no longer part of the opposition and therefore not allocated time. The focus remains on presenting evidence to the public, even if the opposition has little chance of winning the debate in parliament.

Nattapong also noted that no ministers from the Pheu Thai Party are targeted as the list of ministers and issues under scrutiny were determined by the opposition coalition based on available evidence. The debate will adhere to the framework outlined in the motion, and discussions about scheduling with the government are pending.