[International] Thai Opposition Plans No-Confidence Vote; Anutin Denies Involvement in Senator Controversy
RtiTalk 小編20d ago
Thai Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul stated today (3rd) that the People's Party is scheduled to release more information on suspected fraud in the 2024 senator selection process on the 4th. He noted this is part of the opposition's oversight duties, and relevant individuals can provide explanations through the proper procedures. However, he emphasized that the current government has no direct connection to the senator selection case. If the opposition files a no-confidence motion in August, the government is prepared to face parliamentary scrutiny.
Anutin told reporters at the Ministry of Interior that the senator selection took place in 2024, while the current government began its term after delivering its policy statement on April 1, 2026. Therefore, if the public attributes the case directly to the current cabinet, concrete evidence must first be presented. He stressed that the government is responsible for national administration and will not interfere in senator affairs. The opposition is free to raise questions, but the government will only provide explanations on issues within its policy implementation and ministerial responsibilities.
Regarding the opposition's preparation for a no-confidence motion, Anutin stated that parliamentary oversight of the government is a normal democratic process, and it is not uncommon for governments to face questioning or no-confidence debates a few months after taking office. He said that if the government administers affairs lawfully and does not engage in misconduct, there is no need to worry about related debates. As for whether the policy performance over the past three months is satisfactory, he believes it should be judged by the public, not by the government itself.
The People's Party is expected to release special investigation data on the senator selection case, and there is public concern about whether the content involves individuals from the Bhumjaithai Party. Anutin stated that he has not yet seen any connection between the current government and the case. If specific ministers or political figures are accused, their names and evidence should be clearly presented, and they should bear the legal responsibility. He also confirmed that legal action against Yingcheep Atchanont, director of the Internet Law Reform Dialogue Network (iLaw), is being handled by lawyers.
Regarding the potential inclusion of the local civil servant examination fraud case in the debate by the opposition, Anutin stated that the administrative procedures that the government should handle have been largely completed, including:
1. Revoking examination results involving irregularities and notifying provincial and local administrative agencies to handle subsequent procedures.
2. Taking measures such as reassignment, dismissal, criminal investigation, and major disciplinary investigation against individuals involved or reasonably suspected.
3. Expanding the investigation jointly by the police, the National Anti-Corruption Commission, and other units, and then transferring the case to prosecutors and courts.
Anutin pointed out that several involved individuals have been investigated by the police, and some defendants were not granted bail. Officials suspected of involvement have also been transferred from their original positions to avoid interfering with the investigation. The government has also appointed Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilprapunt to oversee fact-finding, with the participation of independent agencies, so the public can expect the case not to be subject to political interference.
He stated that the local examination case has been initiated in terms of administrative investigation, criminal proceedings, major disciplinary investigation, and revocation of examination results. At this stage, it only awaits the police and prosecution to complete evidence collection, prosecutors to indict, and courts to render judgments. As for whether the outcome of the no-confidence vote might affect future party cooperation, Anutin merely stated that a judgment should be made after the actual situation occurs. (Editor: Song Wanyuan)
Source Link: https://www.rti.org.tw/news?uid=3&pid=224030
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