Bangkok: The Speaker of the House of Representatives reiterated that the censure motion has been submitted and the government is prohibited from dissolving the House of Representatives. The Speaker emphasized adherence to Article 151, paragraph two of the Constitution, which prohibits the government from dissolving Parliament once a motion for censure has been submitted, despite objections from some quarters. He noted that before the agenda was included, the Speaker still had the power to dissolve Parliament.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Wan Muhammad Noor Matha, Speaker of the House of Representatives, gave an interview about the Pheu Thai Party’s preparation to submit a no-confidence motion against the government during the opening of the parliamentary session in December. He stated that when the session opens, MPs can submit one of their five signatures to request a no-confidence motion, in accordance with Article 151 of the Constitution. However, there is a controversial issue regarding whether a no-confidence motion can be dissolved. Article 151, paragraph two of the Constitution, clearly states that once a motion is submitted, the government cannot dissolve Parliament. Meanwhile, the House regulations require the Speaker to review the list of names for completeness and accuracy, and to ensure the motion does not conflict with the Constitution or regulations before it is placed on the agenda, with a consideration period of no later than seven days.

“Therefore, whether or not the House can be dissolved during that time is a legal issue. I have assigned the House Secretary-General to meet with the House’s legal team. After a preliminary review, we determined that the Constitution must be adhered to. When a no-confidence motion is submitted, whether to the House or the Speaker, the House cannot be dissolved under the Constitution. The regulations have fewer rights than the Constitution. This is the legal matter of the office proposing it, but others may request discussion with other agencies. The Constitution clearly states this. The legal team’s opinion has been submitted to the House Secretary-General, but has not yet reached me. The Constitution must be adhered to,” said Mr. Wan Muhammad Noor.