Deputy Prime Minister Somsak Thongsri views the no-confidence battle as mere rhetoric, sharply responding to the motion accusing him of having a "decayed heart" and suggesting he might need medical attention. He pointed out that weather matters are natural occurrences and reaffirmed that the government is doing its utmost, even as the opposition may politicize the issue.
At 09:20 on 14 Oct 2026 GMT+7 at the Government House, Deputy Prime Minister Somsak Thongsri addressed being one of the 18 names targeted in the opposition’s no-confidence motion, saying that such debates are normal since the opposition must perform its role in scrutinizing the government. He affirmed the government’s readiness to respond.
When asked about allegations accusing him of being a key figure supporting corruption, shamelessness, a decayed heart, greed, and using networks to rig the Senate election, Somsak laughed and said, "I see it as rhetoric. I’m still confused. Perhaps I should visit a hospital because of this 'decayed heart' claim. I don’t understand it. I’m just carrying on with my work as usual."
Asked about the debate’s focus largely on Senate election rigging, Somsak said he was unaware of the specific allegations, and that details would emerge with the questions. He noted that the motion contains mostly rhetoric. Regarding the debate schedule, he said it depends on the parliamentary speaker to set the agenda.
When asked if 18 people being questioned is a large number, Somsak said these are ministers in the government. Whether it’s many or not is for the opposition to say, but as ministers, they must answer questions and clarify issues where the opposition feels the government has underperformed. When asked if the debate will change political equations, he replied he did not know about any such calculations.
Asked if the opposition’s debate will mention benefactors and affect outsiders, Somsak said he did not know and was focusing on his own motion. He noted that many discussions considered the allegations rhetoric, but the real test will be the actual questions during the debate, allowing proper preparation of responses.
Asked if he is worried that water management will be politicized in the debate, Somsak said weather is natural. The government is fully committed to addressing the issue and has prepared measures. Though the weather exceeded expectations, they are ready to care for the people. Relief payments are ready in every province, with funds transferred through the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, mostly reaching affected people quickly and legally.