“Abhisit” urges “Anutin” not to undervalue the no-confidence debate, noting the opposition can wait until after the prime minister returns from abroad. He warns against limiting the debate to just three days. The Democrat Party plans to scrutinize five ministers and reveals talks with “Sirichok” to continue the “Idea” case investigation.
At 13:15 on 21 Oct 2026 GMT+7, Abhisit Vejjajiva, party-list MP and leader of the Democrat Party, spoke at the parliament about the no-confidence debate, which Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul suggested be held from 27-30 Oct due to his overseas commitments thereafter. He said the no-confidence motion was submitted by the opposition to the House Speaker and involves debate on 18 ministers. The opposition agrees that five days are needed to fully and properly debate all 18 ministers. This sets the framework, but if so, the government should not dictate a limited response time. He hopes for smooth proceedings and expects the three-party whip meeting today will have opposition representatives explain the need for five days. The PM’s schedule doesn’t mean he is unavailable all the time, and arrangements can be managed; it’s not too difficult.
Regarding the PM’s statement about extending time for the opposition but reducing the ministers’ explanation time, Abhisit said that likely would not happen. He questioned why the PM would want to reduce his own explanation time and urged him to reconsider, noting the PM has consistently demeaned the no-confidence debate, treating it as mere formality to be rushed through. But it is an important democratic oversight process. Those speaking want to present full information and receive answers. He hopes all MPs, regardless of side, will hear both the debaters and ministers fully before deciding whether all 18 deserve continued trust. Respecting democratic processes allows time to be managed well. He has experience as a former prime minister.
Regarding the PM’s claim he will be unavailable after 30 Oct, Abhisit said that’s acceptable; if needed, the debate can be held later. If the PM has necessary prior overseas commitments, the opposition understands and will not pressure. However, he doubts that time cannot be managed to allow the House a full week to scrutinize the government as intended by the constitution.
When asked if the opposition will wait if time is not granted, Abhisit replied it is possible. The three-party whip meeting must discuss the necessity for the 18 ministers’ debate, how many speakers, how many minutes each, and total hours. If the government insists on no replies and only voting, it confirms the government’s disrespect for parliamentary work, treating everything as mere formality.
Regarding speculation about a merger between the Kla Tham and Bhumjai Thai parties after the no-confidence debate, Abhisit said he does not know as he is not part of either party. There are rumors daily about mergers and defections, but the Democrat Party, as opposition, has the duty to scrutinize the government. They will not debate all 18 ministers but focus mainly on 4-5. The Prachachon Party claims to have information on all 18 and seeks full debate time.
Asked about the likelihood of political mergers, given past occurrences, Abhisit said the constitution does not permit mergers. Usually, members quit their parties to join others. In any case, such questions should be directed to Bhumjai Thai and Kla Tham parties.
. . . Sirichok Sopa, former Songkhla MP of the Democrat Party, exposed information about Ms. Suchada Sang Thansap, or Idea, MP of Chaiyaphum from Bhumjai Thai Party. Asked if he has been in contact and supported Sirichok, Abhisit said they have spoken, and Sirichok is interested and willing to cooperate in the investigation. On 20 Oct, Sirichok provided information to the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) and is scheduled to give details to the House committee on law, justice, and human rights on 22 Oct. Although Sirichok is not debating as he is no longer an MP, the party is following the information as a political party.
When asked about Anutin’s comment that Sirichok’s exposure of Ms. Suchada was motivated by election defeat, Abhisit said, “That’s just all he can think of.”
Meanwhile, Kandi Liewpirom, party-list MP and deputy leader of the Democrat Party, said regarding political activist Ruangkrai Likitwattana’s request to examine her asset declarations that she is not worried and is ready to clarify the information.