Bangkok: House Speaker and President of the Parliament, Wan Muhammad Nor Matha, has commented on the government’s plan to request a general debate in Parliament under Article 165 of the Constitution. The debate aims to discuss significant issues related to national security or the economy and is proposed to take place from December 24-26. Wan Nor emphasized that it is the government’s right to initiate such a debate and submit the request to the President of Parliament. However, he noted that he has not yet received any formal notification from the government regarding their intention to proceed. The decision will depend on discussions among relevant parties and subsequent notification to him. If the request aligns with procedural rules, it can go ahead.
According to Thai News Agency, Wan Muhammad Nor also addressed questions about the potential overlap of a general debate with a no-confidence debate against the government. He clarified that a general debate could indeed coincide with a no-confidence debate, as they do not conflict, being conducted according to the Constitution. This includes a general debate with a vote of no confidence under Article 151 and a general debate without a vote under Article 152. However, Wan Nor mentioned that debates under Articles 151 and 152 can only be conducted once in a parliamentary session.