“Stop assuming!” “Teng” blasts government over imaginary censure debate dates, insists 3 days insufficient, stating “A Prime Minister must manage their own time”

Today (19 October 2026) at 10:00 AM at the Parliament, Mr. Nattapong Ruengpanyawut, Leader of the People's Party and Leader of the Opposition, announced the outcomes of the 16th Shadow Cabinet meeting. Speaking on the censure debate, he noted that the government side had been releasing news indicating they would allocate only 3 days for the debate. When factoring in the government's explanation time, this could leave the Opposition with merely 2 days to debate all 18 ministers. He questioned whether the government was playing parliamentary political games. He stressed that news emerging from the government side had never been discussed with Opposition representatives, nor had the President of the National Assembly called a joint meeting to set a date for placing the motion on the agenda or establishing a timeframe. Therefore, the government should stop assuming on its own and stop thinking on behalf of the Opposition.

Mr. Nattapong recounted past no-confidence motions since 2020, pointing out that even when fewer than 18 ministers were targeted, the Opposition was granted as much as 4 days for debate plus 1 day for voting, totaling 5 days. However, in this instance, despite 18 ministers being named in the censure motion, the government unilaterally released news without consultation that it would give only 3 days, which might reduce the Opposition's actual time to just 2 days. He called on the President of the National Assembly to proceed straightforwardly by calling a meeting between Opposition and Government whips to jointly determine a timeframe as soon as possible.

When asked whether the Opposition would still insist on requesting 5 days if the government stands firm on 3 days and the House Speaker schedules a meeting this week, Mr. Nattapong confirmed that the Opposition maintains its original timeframe. He argued it is appropriate compared to past instances where fewer ministers were targeted yet received 4 full days. Nevertheless, the decision to place the motion on the agenda and determine the number of days must go through proper processes via a joint whip meeting.

Addressing the government's excuse regarding the Prime Minister's overseas commitments, Mr. Nattapong viewed that anyone holding the office of Prime Minister is capable of managing their own schedule, provided they value answering questions on the parliamentary censure stage as much as other duties. Ultimately, it depends on how much importance the Prime Minister places on the National Assembly.

Regarding the Opposition's readiness, Mr. Nattapong stated that their lineup is quite complete and ready for any crisis, depending on when the government opens the door for the debate. As for the number of debaters, although he has a figure in mind, he declined to disclose it yet. Key arguments will focus on demonstrating that the “Blue Regime” poses a threat to the nation and that the government's policy implementation borders on crimes against democracy. Beyond executive power abuses, this involves the Senate, independent agencies, oversight of budget expenditures linked to capital groups, and civil service appointments, all of which fall within the scope of the submitted motion.

When asked about the House Speaker's desire for a constructive debate and whether the Opposition possesses solid evidence and receipts, Mr. Nattapong explained that beyond receipts, the main objective is to fulfill their duty in exposing the government's administrative failures to the public. Many issues might lack absolute receipts—such as Senate election fraud—but assembling the jigsaw pieces reveals the complete picture of corruption. Whether clear evidence is held in hand or not, it does not mean the government has administered successfully, and the Opposition will use debate methods to let the public see the truth.

Finally, when asked whether the Opposition would target Mr. Chaichanok Chidchob, Minister of Digital Economy and Society, as someone close to Bhumjaithai Party's spiritual leader, Mr. Nattapong concluded by stating that everyone will have to wait and see who gets debated and to what extent during the actual censure once the motion enters Parliament.

Photo : Weeraphat Ratsameerueangrong