Surasak expressed confusion over reports that the opposition plans to debate without a vote first, saying he fears the public will grow bored if no new information is presented. He supports Sihasak's stance that China must address the root causes following its travel warning, reaffirming that Thailand is safe.
At 09:50 on 29 Oct 2026 GMT+7 Mr. Surasak Pancharoenworakul, Minister of Tourism and Sports, commented on reports that the opposition will request to open a general debate under Section 152 of the Constitution prior to a no-confidence debate under Section 151 scheduled between 7-11 Dec 2026, saying he had heard the news but did not know where it leaked from and was unsure if it was true. He said he did not understand the need for two motions; whether there would be so much to discuss to hold debates under both Section 152 and later Section 151. He said he hoped there would be real information to discuss, otherwise the public might get bored.
Surasak added he feared that if no new information emerges in these two debates on the same issue, viewers might see nothing new unless there is enough reason for the House of Representatives to schedule both debates, one with and one without a vote, which is up to the opposition. He was unsure if the opposition would submit a motion without a vote.
Additionally, Surasak addressed the recent statement from the Chinese Ambassador to Thailand warning Chinese citizens to be cautious about safety and scams when traveling to Thailand. He affirmed that Thailand is fully committed to tourist protection, a policy clearly stated by the Prime Minister. Various agencies collaborate closely, including the Tourist Police, Royal Thai Police, and others, working together continuously. He emphasized that Thailand does not allow itself to be a transit point for transnational crime and has been serious about this issue all along, as he had stated in previous interviews. He reaffirmed that Thailand is safe and believed all Thais know no one walking around would be forcibly taken onto vehicles and sent to neighboring countries. Tourists visiting Thailand normally or intentionally for tourism are not affected.
Surasak further said, echoing Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Puangketkaew, that efforts must start at the source. While Thailand already does its best at the destination, the origin must also be strictly controlled. He noted that no one would easily pass immigration or be forcibly taken across borders, as such victims are often deceived but must at least not resist. Thailand welcomes cooperation with Chinese authorities and other affected countries. However, tourists from many other countries traveling to Thailand have not received such warnings nor faced related problems.