Bangkok: Prime Minister’s Office spokesman Siripong Angkasakulkiat has contested House Speaker Wan Muhammad Nor Matha’s interpretation regarding the dissolution of Parliament amid a no-confidence motion. Siripong criticized Wan Nor’s stance, arguing that it is overly narrow and fails to consider the full scope of the applicable facts. He elaborated that once a no-confidence motion is filed, the Prime Minister is restricted from dissolving Parliament unless the motion is either withdrawn or has been debated and the vote count falls short of a majority.
According to Thai News Agency, Siripong emphasized that the submission of a no-confidence motion by the opposition is not alone sufficient grounds to prevent the executive branch from dissolving Parliament. He noted that the Speaker of the House has a responsibility to thoroughly examine the motion, place it on the agenda, and inform the Prime Minister before any dissolution can be considered. Only after these steps are completed can the Prime Minister be barred from dissolving Parliament.
Siripong referenced a precedent involving the previous government, where a no-confidence motion was submitted against former Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The motion also implicated other figures, including former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. In that instance, the Speaker required the opposition to amend their motion multiple times before accepting it.
Siripong further argued that Wan Nor’s prior actions demonstrate the necessity for the Speaker to review such motions thoroughly before proceeding. He stated, “Ajarn Wan Nor’s past actions confirm that the Speaker must review the motion first. The only conditions that will ensure the Prime Minister has no right to dissolve Parliament are that the motion must be reviewed first and the Prime Minister must be informed.” Siripong contended that Wan Nor’s recent statements contradict his previous practices and emphasized that the government’s actions are in line with established procedures.