Bangkok: Mr. Thepthai Senapong, former MP for Nakhon Si Thammarat, has highlighted the increasing political pressure on Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Anutin Charnvirakul due to the ongoing flooding crisis in Hat Yai. This situation has led to intensified discussions regarding the potential dissolution of Parliament, contingent upon the Pheu Thai Party's decision to submit a no-confidence motion under Section 151.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Anutin has previously indicated that he would dissolve Parliament immediately if such a motion were introduced. Recent discussions between Mr. Natthaphong Ruangpanyawut, leader of the Prachachon Party, and Mr. Chulphan Amornvivat, leader of the Pheu Thai Party, suggested that the constitutional amendment should pass its third reading before any no-confidence motion is tabled. The Pheu Thai Party's decision on this matter remains pending.
The no-confidence motion, as outlined on the Pheu Thai Party's Facebook page, comprises seven primary issues, with two additional concerns surfacing recently. These issues include questionable appointments and transfers within the Ministry of Interior, allegations of cronyism related to the Senate and Khao Kradong land case, failure in water management, and the controversial allocation of 4 billion baht for the Moto GP project. Other points include negligence over scammer gangs, a secret MOU on rare earth minerals with the US, and potential territorial losses linked to a peace pledge. The two new issues address the US Trade Representative's suspension of tariff negotiations and the government's handling of the flooding crisis in Hat Yai.
The accumulation of these nine issues appears sufficient to support a no-confidence motion against Mr. Anutin, questioning his effectiveness in public administration. The decision to dissolve Parliament now could adversely affect his popularity, especially given the unresolved Hat Yai flooding crisis. Conversely, if Mr. Anutin chooses to face a no-confidence vote, he risks being ousted as Prime Minister.
This situation represents a strategic confrontation between the Pheu Thai Party and the Bhumjaithai Party, where Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul must navigate political challenges to maintain his leadership and manage the government's stability.