Bangkok: Colonel Thammanat Prompao, MP for Phayao and advisor to the Kla Tham Party, gave his assessment of the first day of the opposition’s no-confidence debate, noting that the content appeared repetitive compared to his past experiences. He observed that the debates lacked the intensity of previous years, particularly from 2019 to 2024.

According to Thai News Agency, Colonel Thammanat remarked that the opposition parties seemed to present their arguments in isolation, leading to redundancy as different parties repeated similar points. He refrained from offering direct criticism but highlighted the lack of cohesion in their approach.

Regarding General Prawit Wongsuwan, leader of the Palang Pracharath Party, Thammanat commented that his debate followed a prepared script, which did not delve into the crucial details despite expectations of significant issues being addressed. “Uncle Pom’s style is such that, as an elder, he likely leaves details to party MPs,” Thammanat explained.

Thammanat mentioned he was unable to provide support to General Prawit during his speech due to prior commitments, arriving after the debate had concluded. When questioned about the opposition raising the issue of the black-chinned tilapia, a concern dating back to 2007, Thammanat recounted his efforts as the former Minister of Agriculture to address the problem, which included collaboration with MPs from various parties.

He detailed ongoing solutions, such as utilizing the Rubber Authority of Thailand and the Department of Fisheries to purchase and freeze the fish, ensuring the eggs are neutralized before further processing. Thammanat emphasized the need for continued efforts to manage the issue effectively.

The discussion also touched on potential votes against the prime minister, with Thammanat stating that outcomes would become clearer by March 26. Addressing the opposition’s proposed strategy of submitting information to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), Thammanat acknowledged this as a common post-debate practice and stressed that politicians must be prepared for scrutiny.