Charter bill awaits second reading
PUBLISHED : 15 Nov 2025 at 05:38
People’s Party (PP) leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut has said there is no compelling reason for the opposition to rush to file a no-confidence motion against the government, unless the government fails to recall parliament from recess before Dec 12 to ensure the draft constitutional amendment is passed in time for the planned House dissolution in January.
Mr Natthaphong, who also serves as opposition leader, reiterated on Friday that his party’s stance remains unchanged — the Bhumjaithai-led government must open an extraordinary session to deliberate the charter amendment bill in its second reading before the regular session begins on Dec 12.
After passing the second reading, a mandatory 15-day interval is needed before the third reading can be completed before the year’s end, he added. Doing so, he said, would allow the cabinet to finalise the process and dissolve the House in January as agreed under the memorandum of understanding that Bhumjaithai signed with the PP.
He stressed that if the government does not call the special session in time, the PP will immediately submit a no-confidence motion. “This is the red line we have set,” he said.
He acknowledged that Pheu Thai, with its sizeable number of MPs, can file a no-confidence motion independently and does not require the PP’s approval.
“There is no reason to hurry a Section 151 motion unless it is politically motivated, such as an attempt to replace the prime minister — something I cannot answer on behalf of other parties,” he said.
On whether the government has committed serious misconduct warranting immediate censure, he said his party has been scrutinising issues involving grey businesses, scam networks and border management rigorously through parliamentary committees.
“We are not holding the constitution hostage,” he said. “We must weigh all issues carefully, including the risks of irreversible damage to the country.”
As for whether his party would support a Pheu Thai-led no-confidence motion, he said PP would decide based on its content. If the motion targets “grey” ministers individually, they are prepared to vote on a case-by-case basis, he said. But if it appears designed to achieve political advantage at the expense of the charter rewrite, which he said is essential for the next government’s stability, Mr Natthaphong said the party will reassess its stance.
