Krawi has set a two-phase timeline for the no-confidence debate: discussions from December 6-9 with a vote on December 10, or debates from December 7-10 with a vote on December 11. A tripartite whip meeting is planned to clarify the schedule. He confirmed there will be no special ministerial security team and remains tight-lipped about bringing the Kla Party into the government.
At 09:30 on 28 October 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Krawi Prisananantakul, Member of Parliament for Ang Thong from the Bhumjaithai Party and chair of the government's coalition whip committee, spoke at the parliament about progress on scheduling the no-confidence debate. He said the government whip is coordinating with the Speaker of the House to set a date for the tripartite whip meeting, expected to take place this week. If all three parties are available on the afternoon of 28 October, the meeting will be held immediately; otherwise, it will be no later than 29 October.
Regarding the proposed debate period the Cabinet has indicated readiness from December 6 onwards, discussions between the government whip and the opposition have agreed on four days of debate and one day for voting. The debate could run from December 6-9 with a vote on December 10, or from December 7-10 with a vote on December 11. The Cabinet is comfortable with either period, but discussions with the opposition are needed to confirm their preference and whether parliament can convene, as December 6 falls on a Sunday. If sessions can be held on Saturday or Sunday, it would benefit all parties. Debate sessions would run daily from 09:00 to 00:00, totaling 15 hours per day over four days, accumulating 60 hours. Time allocation must be arranged to fairly divide opportunities between the opposition and Cabinet members. The opposition will have sufficient time for questioning, and the Cabinet will have time to respond.
When asked about the Kla Party requesting debate time and which side’s quota they would use, Krawi said the Kla Party insists on maintaining its debate rights since it holds no Cabinet or parliamentary chair or deputy chair positions, thus is considered opposition. For fairness, other parties should also have debate time. The opposition does not oppose Kla Party’s participation, as the debate time belongs to the opposition. The government does not allocate debate time to MPs but provides time for Cabinet responses. The scheduled voting on December 10 or 11 seems appropriate but may be adjusted after further discussion, possibly postponed by a week. A conclusion is expected within this week.
Regarding the issue of alleged collusion in the Senate, which may provoke protests from government MPs, Krawi said that no-confidence debates are the opposition’s duty to criticize the government. The government must patiently listen. As long as parliamentary rules are followed, there is no need for repeated protests that cause boredom. However, if comments harm individuals or accuse parties outside the Cabinet, MPs have the right to protest such references. He confirmed there is no special ministerial security team.
When asked if the Kla Party’s support in the vote would lead to joining the government, Krawi replied that it depends on Kla’s decision. Politics is unpredictable; anything can happen. It is too early to say whether Kla will merge with Bhumjaithai or vote for them. Currently, he has not heard what evidence the opposition holds or how ministers will respond. He hopes for rigorous opposition scrutiny, with clear evidence presented in parliament for public viewing, to ensure substantive debate rather than vague accusations that provide entertainment but no benefit. If clear evidence of corruption exists, he wants the no-confidence debate to be fully constructive.