Censure bid to come later this month

The opposition will submit a censure debate motion by the end of this month against Prime Minister Prayut Chano-cha over his handling of the Covid19 pandemic.

Pheu Thai secretary-general, Prasert Chanthararuangthong, said opposition parties had agreed to submit a censure motion around the end of January and expected the debate could take place next month.

Asked what the opposition would do if parliament was adjourned for longer than one month, Mr Prasert said that would be okay as long as the length of time was reasonable. However, he suggested parliament consider holding an extraordinary session.

The opposition would discuss again if parliament could be adjourned for longer than expected and possibly adjust censure debate plans so they are in line with the current situation.

Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam said Section 154 of the constitution stipulates the opposition can submit a censure debate motion once during each ordinary session of parliament.

Mr Wissanu said the opposition should submit the motion within the current parliamentary session and ruled out the possibility of holding a censure debate during an extraordinary session.

A censure debate could even take place on the last day of the current session on Feb 28, he said.

Once the opposition submits a censure motion, the House speaker must examine it before including it on parliament’s agenda, he said.

Mr Wissanu also expressed concern over the effects a suspended parliament would have on reviewing legislation, including charter and referendum bills, and amendments to the criminal code on narcotics and on abortion.

Parliament needs to urgently review the abortion bill since the Constitutional Court had ruled the law must take effect on Feb 12, Mr Wissanu said.