Govt figures unfazed by debate plan

Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas on Saturday brushed aside concerns after being named in the planned no-confidence debate, saying he had done nothing wrong as an official.

Mr Ekniti, who was accused by the opposition of failing to address the economic crisis and grey capital in the censure motion, said he was ready to answer questions on all issues.

The censure motion, submitted to the House Speaker last week, targets Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and 17 cabinet members, all from the ruling Bhumjaithai (BJT) Party.

Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, specifically, is accused of being a key figure in alleged Senate election manipulation and interfering with mechanisms investigating the case, as well as pursuing transport policies that allegedly benefit major business interests.

The motion was signed by 145 opposition MPs, excluding those from the Klatham Party. The opposition said it wanted to expose what it calls the "blue regime", a reference to the BJT.

House Speaker Sophon Zarum said the House Secretariat would check the legitimacy of the motion before informing the cabinet and setting the date for the debate. He said that the opposition wanted the debate to take place later this month.

Defence Minister Lt Gen Adul Boonthumjaroen on Saturday declined to comment on allegations against him in the motion.

He is accused of setting a poor example for junior officers, lacking discipline, favouring allies and malfeasance in the no-confidence motion.

Meanwhile, Mr Anutin on Saturday dismissed speculation that the opposition excluded the Pheu Thai Party from the motion to create divisions within the governing bloc, saying he was confident that coalition MPs would back the government.

The BJT leader also denied having made any deal with the Klatham Party and replied "Sathu" when asked whether Klatham MPs might help shore up government support.

Asked whether the government was concerned about facing opposition questions, he said his administration would be fully prepared.

"I give credit to the opposition for its advice. We take its concerns seriously, address our shortcomings and prepare to answer criticism. We see the no-confidence debate as a fair process of democratic scrutiny, not an attempt to undermine the government or ministers," Mr Anutin said.