Opposition warned not to drag Thaksin into debate

Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai called on the opposition to conduct a responsible debate and avoid criticizing former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who is not part of the cabinet.

The no-confidence motion is aimed at Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, which is discussing the possibility of the opposition attacking Thaksin, the prime minister’s father, who remains politically active.

Ms Paetongtarn is being billed as inexperienced, unqualified and lacking the leadership skills to govern.

Evasive rhetoric that may lead to misunderstanding should not dominate the debate, Mr Phumtham said on Friday, adding that the debate should be based on fact and serve the public interest.

When asked about the state of the preparations done by the governement, he said the prime minister and overall cabinet are prepared for scrutiny but said that the opposition must be careful when bringing other people into discredit and that they too will have to face the ‘consequesces of their actions in court’

“Thaksin is not the prime minister, and the opposition has no power to interrogate Thaksin. They are allowed to do so as permitted by law,” he added.

Mr Phumtham said the debate should not be wielded by the opposition to discredit the government, leverage an advantage over them or win voters in the upcoming election.

He rejected opposition comments that the censure debate could precipitate a dissolution of the House, saying it was too soon to discuss such an eventuality.

Earlier, Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, leader of the opposition and People’s Party (PP), said that although the debate is aimed at the prime minister, the issues raised will also involve many ministries and numerous parts of the coalition and will include further discussion of Thaksin.

Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan, leader of the Thai Sang Thai Party (TST), on Friday voiced concern over reports that the censure debate would take place in just one day. Such a move would indicate the government is seeking to avoid scrutiny out of fear, she said.

She urged the government to provide enough time for a full and open debate.

Khunying Sudarat argued that the debate was centered in three big issues: bad governance, corruption and policies that could hurt the nation in the long term.

“Ms Paetongtarn has to address these concerns, and the no-confidence vote result will also reflect the public faith,” she said.