Thailand’s Democrat Party set stage for censure debate

BANGKOK, November 11 (TNA) - A no-confidence debate against the coalition of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra is to be led by Thailand’s Democrat Party on November 25-26. Government Whip Chairman Udomdej Rattanasathien confirms a vote on the censure motion will come the following day. The no-confidence motion targets Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, Deputy Prime Minister Police Captain Chalerm Yubumrung, Defence Minister Air Chief Marshal Sukumpol Suwanatat and Deputy Interior Minister Police Lt. Gen. Chat Kuldilok. Mr. Udomdej says a general debate against the government requested by the Senate is now tentatively fixed on November 27, a day before the parliament will be closed during the current session. Meanwhile, Pheu Thai Party spokesman Prompong Nopparit has announced that the government will allow opposition members to debate against the prime minister and ministers targeted in the no-confidence debate without appointing anyone to protect Miss Yingluck during the grilling. Mr. Prompong says however, the opposition ought to change the name of Abhisit Vejjajiva, leader of Democrat Party, whom it has proposed for becoming a new prime minister should Miss Yingluck resigns from her post. The proposal is made in accordance with rules stipulated by the constitution. Mr. Prompong has reasoned that Mr. Abhisit, a former prime minister, is now being stripped from his army rank on charges of dodging military service and submitting fake army documents. A new survey by Suan Dusit Poll conducted in early November shows that 40.11 per cent from a total of 3,559 people surveyed wanted to see quick resolve on corruption among politicians. It says a further 26.52 per cent wanted to see amity among politicians, while another 13.46 per cent wanted corrupted officials to be brought to justice. (TNA)