Bangkok: Mr. Natthaphong Ruangpanyawut, leader of the Prachachon Party, has reiterated the necessity of convening a special parliamentary session to amend the 23 constitutions before the year's end. He raised concerns about the potential submission of a no-confidence motion, emphasizing the party's firm stance on constitutional amendments as proposed by party-list MP Mr. Panusaya Wacharasindhu under Article 151. He highlighted the alignment with the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) and the appointment of Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul as Prime Minister, which mandates the dissolution of parliament within four months, necessitating the constitutional amendment push by January 2026. The timeline demands an extraordinary session prior to the regular parliamentary session on December 12, 2025, to facilitate the second and third readings within a specified 15-day pause. Successful passage by year-end would enable the Cabinet to vote on the referendum and parliament dissolution. Failure to convene this session would prompt t he People's Party to submit a no-confidence motion.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Natthaphong acknowledged contact with the Pheu Thai Party regarding a possible no-confidence motion, although the primary focus remained on constitutional amendments. He stressed the importance of Pheu Thai Party's support for the amendments' readings. Discussions with Mr. Chulphan Amornvivat, Pheu Thai Party leader, centered on the constitutional amendment agenda, leaving the discretion to submit a no-confidence motion under Section 151 to individual parties. With sufficient MPs, Pheu Thai does not require prior consent from the Prachachon Party.
Mr. Natthaphong underscored the urgency, setting a clear deadline for the government. If the extraordinary session isn't held by December 12th, a no-confidence motion would be introduced. He stated that failure to implement the new constitution, violating the MOA, would lead to the People's Party submitting the motion. Despite the limited timeframe, he saw no need to hasten the no-confidence motion, citing political motivations for potential changes in leadership. He refrained from speculating on behalf of other parties.
Addressing the government's issues warranting a no-confidence motion, Mr. Natthaphong pointed to persistent problems like grey capital and border management. He clarified that constitutional amendments were not being used as leverage. Instead, he stressed the importance of careful assessment of the situation, the timeframe, and the People's Party's deadline for a special parliamentary session. If the media and public perceive immediate submission of a no-confidence motion as essential to prevent irreparable harm, the party is prepared to act. Meanwhile, the party's existing mechanisms are gaining traction in its opposition role.
When questioned about the Prachachon Party's response to a potential no-confidence motion from Pheu Thai, Mr. Natthaphong said the party would first review the motion's content and principles. If it targeted individual ministers, the Prachachon Party would conduct investigations and pass votes on an individual basis. However, if the motion were politically motivated and risked affecting constitutional drafting, the reasonableness and logic of the motion would be scrutinized.