PM skips government rehearsals for this week’s censure debate

>>Key cabinet ministers yesterday attended a mock-up censure debate ahead of the real session which starts on Monday, according to a government source.

At least two ministers, Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam and Foreign Affairs Minister Don Pramudwinai, joined the seminar at a hotel in Pattaya organised by the ruling Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) to rehearse.

Three other censure targets — Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, his deputy Prawit Wongsuwon and Deputy Agriculture Minister Thamanat Prompow — had also been expected to take part in the two-day drill which ends today.

However, the source said Deputy Defence Minister Gen Chaichan Changmongkol stood in for Gen Prayut yesterday.

The seminar was designed as a simulation for the targeted ministers with members posing as opposition MPs directing censure issues at them.

The debate beginning tomorrow is set to end on Wednesday although it may be extended by another day, in which case the no-confidence motion will be called on Friday.

The source added MPs from coalition parties, including the Democrats and the Bhumjaithai, were also present.

Mr Wissanu told media outside the venue that fellow coalition members and MPs were keen to know facts about the likely censure issues.

Mr Don, meanwhile, said the practice had given him confidence about what to expect in the debate.

He admitted he might have to spend more time than originally planned explaining some complicated issues to the opposition and the audience at home who will be watching the live broadcast.

“The problem, really, has to do with managing the debating time,” the minister said.

Meanwhile, Suporn Atthawong, the PM’s Office assistant minister, said he and outspoken PPRP MPs, such as Sira Jenjaka and Pareena Kraikupt, will protest against any disinformation spread by the opposition and hold a press conference to set the record straight.