Bangkok: Passed smoothly! The House voted to trust 'Prime Minister Paethongtarn' with 319 votes. The House of Representatives has expressed its confidence in Prime Minister Paethongtarn Shinawatra, following a vote of no confidence that saw the Prime Minister secure her position with 319 votes. The session, chaired by Mr. Wan Muhammad Noor Matha, Speaker of the House of Representatives, included a motion to debate and vote on the no-confidence motion against Ms. Paethongtarn.
According to Thai News Agency, the no-confidence motion was decisively defeated with 162 votes against it, while 319 voted in favor of the Prime Minister. There were 7 abstentions, and notably, 4 Democrat MPs chose to abstain from voting. The result indicated overwhelming support for the Prime Minister, ensuring her continuation in office. In a gesture of gratitude, the Prime Minister expressed her appreciation to the MPs following the vote.
The voting process involved pressing ballots, with the Speaker announcing the result that showed the no-confidence motion had failed to garner sufficient support. The government held 322 votes but faced absences, including Mr. Anurak Chureemas, who was hospitalized, and Mr. Supol Chulasai. Additionally, four Democrat MPs-Mr. Chuan Leekpai, Mr. Banyat Bantadtan, Mr. Jurin Laksanawisit, and Mr. Sanphet Bunyamanee-abstained, and Lt. Col. Chalerm Yubamrung was absent, reducing government votes to 312.
The government received an unexpected boost from 7 opposition members, including Ms. Kanchana Chawang and five Thai Sang Thai members, who defied party lines to support the Prime Minister. Meanwhile, Mr. Chatchawan Paetthai and Mr. Chai-ampawan Manphienchit voted against her.
After the vote, Prime Minister Paethongtarn expressed her gratitude by raising her hands in a wai to the MPs, receiving applause from Pheu Thai Party members. She engaged with ministers and MPs from various parties, including the Bhumjaithai Party, for photographs, underscoring the cross-party support she received.
Opposition leader Mr. Nattapong Ruangpanyawut and Ms. Sirikanya Tansakul also joined in for a photo opportunity with the Prime Minister, highlighting a moment of unity despite the contentious nature of the session. The People's Party MPs further participated in a group photo, marking the conclusion of the eventful meeting.