Bangkok: "Prit" has issued a warning to the Prime Minister regarding the potential dissolution of Parliament as a means to evade the censure debate, drawing a parallel to contractors abandoning projects and thus eroding public trust. The cautionary note comes amidst discussions about the possible dissolution of Parliament on December 12th, which "Prit" argues would signify an evasion of responsibility analogous to business closures aimed at avoiding scrutiny.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Panusaya Wacharasindhu, a party-list MP and spokesperson for the Prachachon Party, addressed the statement made by Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, who indicated readiness to dissolve Parliament on December 12th if faced with a no-confidence motion. This move could potentially affect constitutional amendments, and Mr. Panusaya expressed concerns that the Prime Minister's intention to dissolve Parliament to avoid scrutiny is akin to a contractor abandoning a project. The legal debate surrounding the dissolution of Parliament after a no-confidence motion is filed continues, but Mr. Panusaya emphasized that the Constitution explicitly discourages using such power to escape accountability. He further warned that dissolving Parliament could negatively affect public perception of the Prime Minister, especially with elections on the horizon.
Mr. Pris outlined the People's Party's clear conditions regarding the no-confidence motion in three terms. First, if the Prime Minister fails to dissolve Parliament by January 31, 2026, it will be regarded as a violation of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), prompting a no-confidence motion. Second, if the constitutional amendment is not finalized by the year's end, a debate will be initiated. Lastly, if any policies deemed harmful to the public are implemented, the party will move for a no-confidence debate. While other parties have the legitimate right to submit their own no-confidence motions under Section 151, the People's Party stands ready to fulfill its parliamentary duties.
In the event of Parliament's dissolution on December 12th without constitutional amendments, questions arise about whether the Bhumjaithai Party would be in breach of its agreement with the Prachachon Party. Mr. Panusaya highlighted that the MOA's main points include the January 31st, 2026 deadline for Parliament dissolution and the push for constitutional amendments. If these are not addressed in a referendum with the election, it would be considered a breach of the MOA.
Regarding potential political signals from the Prime Minister's remarks, Mr. Panusaya reiterated his stance that dissolving Parliament equates to a contractor avoiding scrutiny. With elections approaching, this move would likely be disadvantageous for the Prime Minister, who has already announced his candidacy as the Bhumjaithai Party's prime ministerial candidate.
When questioned about the People's Party's stance in parliamentary votes concerning the constitution and government support, Mr. Panusaya clarified that the party's conditions and stance on debate submission are transparent. The People's Party's intent has always been to use the no-confidence debate mechanism to monitor the minority government's commitments under the MOA while maintaining its opposition role throughout the parliamentary term.
Finally, Mr. Panusaya emphasized that the mission of all political parties is to push for a new constitution, not just the People's Party's desire for amendments. Cooperation among all parties is essential for swift constitutional amendment success, which is a shared goal across the political spectrum. On whether delaying the no-confidence motion benefits all parties, he respected the Pheu Thai Party's decisions regarding the debate submission and timing.