Deputy Prime Minister Songsak said it is the opposition's right to request a general debate under Section 152 before the no-confidence debate under Section 151. He emphasized the government is ready to respond but asked for understanding toward the Prime Minister's busy schedule and that ministers have already set their work timetables.
At 10:00 a.m. on 29 Oct 2026 at the Government House, Deputy Prime Minister Songsak Thongsri was interviewed regarding reports that the opposition would request a general debate under Section 152 of the Constitution before the no-confidence debate under Section 151 scheduled for 7-11 Dec. He said he had heard the news but did not know the details. He believes it aligns with the Constitution, which provides both Sections 151 and 152. It is the opposition's right to scrutinize the government. The government is prepared and will respond according to whichever section is invoked. There is no issue about this.
When asked whether the debates should be combined since they occur consecutively, Songsak said the government cannot answer for the opposition. However, the government must be ready to respond to both sections. The two sections serve different purposes: Section 151 is a voting debate, while Section 152 is a non-voting debate offering recommendations to the government. The government listens and responds. If the opposition has good and beneficial proposals, the government will implement them according to the wishes of those monitoring and scrutinizing. If it benefits the public, the government will take action. This is not harmful but rather positive. He even praised the opposition's current role.
Songsak stated he does not want to criticize why the opposition submits motions to debate under both sections. Personally, he sees it as a good thing but asks for understanding toward the government, especially the Prime Minister who has many duties. Several ministers have also set their schedules in advance to prepare for the anticipated debates. Many have cleared their own work to make time for the opposition, but agreement on dates has not been reached.