The coalition government has proposed four days only for a planned censure debate and called on the opposition to bring up their key points early in the proceedings.
Wirach: 'Don't waste time'
Wirach Ratanasate, chief government whip and an MP for the Palang Pracharath Party, said the government whips had suggested the no-confidence debate be held from Feb 16-19 with a vote to be cast on Feb 20.
The cabinet has yet to respond to the proposed dates.
"The censure debate will take five days, including vote day. If the opposition really wants seven days, we'll have to talk it but I don't think it's possible.
"They should bring up their 'highlights' early on. Don't waste time by skirting around trivial issues," he said.
The censure motion has yet to be lodged with the House of Representatives. The opposition camp plans to submit the motion against the government on Jan 25 to make sure the debate can take place before the House adjourns on Feb 28.
Sutin Klungsang, chief opposition whip and an MP for the main opposition Pheu Thai Party, yesterday denied reports that some party MPs were being blocked from taking part in the debate.
"Every MP has an opportunity to speak. The party will give them a chance except they aren't well-prepared," he said.
Reports have emerged that Pheu Thai MPs close to former chief strategist Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan, who quit the party in late November, would be left out.
Mr Sutin also played down reports that Pheu Thai would avoid grilling Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon, saying the party would choose targeted ministers based on information to hand. He said Pheu Thai would hold an internal meeting today ahead of the Friday meeting with other opposition parties to compare censure information.
Pheu Thai MP for Bangkok, Jirayu Huangsap, also dismissed as untrue reports about the faction of MPs with close affiliations to Khunying Sudarat being shunned.