No-confidence motion barred over Thaksin reference
Parliament President Wan Muhamad Noor Matha stated that a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra will not be included on the Parliamentary agenda if it continues to reference former PM Thaksin Shinawatra.
After the motion was submitted to him, Wan informed opposition leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut that any mention of Thaksin must be removed. He argued that referencing Thaksin, who is not involved in the debate, would violate Parliamentary meeting regulation No 176.
Yesterday, March 9, Wan reiterated that the regulation prohibits unnecessary references to outsiders, stating that including Thaksin’s name could cause disruption and protests in Parliament. He expressed concern over potential defamation lawsuits if he allowed the motion to proceed with Thaksin’s name.
Wan also cautioned that an unchanged motion might subject lawmakers to defamation claims. He emphasised the unfairness of involving someone not present in Parliament who cannot defend themselves. Wan stated that the Parliament president has the discretion to decide on a motion’s inclusion in the agenda. He consulted a legal team, confirming that references to outsiders could create issues.
Previously, Parit Wacharasindhu, a list MP and spokesperson for the opposition People’s Party, opposed Thaksin’s exclusion from the debate. He argued that neither the constitution nor Parliamentary rules empower the House Speaker to dictate the content of a no-confidence motion.
Parit stated that regulation No. 176 does not necessitate amendments unless the filing process is flawed. He noted that the motion could not be amended as it was submitted over seven days ago, which is the maximum period allowed for revisions.
The censure motion targets PM Paetongtarn specifically, accusing Thaksin of influencing her administration. The government wishes to confine the no-confidence debate to a single day, contrasting with the opposition’s call for a five-day discussion, scheduled for the end of the month.
Parit mentioned that Thaksin has openly acknowledged his involvement in government matters.
Meanwhile, political activist Ruangkrai Leekitwattana has requested the National Anti-Corruption Commission to investigate Wan for allegedly breaching an ethics code for political-office holders. Ruangkrai accused Wan of potentially favouring the PM by attempting to exclude the no-confidence motion from the agenda.
The 38 year old Thai premier dismissed allegations that efforts are being made to remove her father’s name from the motion, reported Bangkok Post.
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