Last debate to take place after Feb 15

Last debate to take place after Feb 15

The cabinet said it will be ready for one last general debate with the opposition in the House of Representatives after Feb 15.

However, the timeline has been questioned by the opposition due to its close proximity to the general election later this year.

In a letter sent by the cabinet to the House in response to the opposition's request for a final debate before the House term ends on Feb 28, the cabinet also mentioned that the debate should be held for only up to two days, said Chinnaworn Bunyakiat, Democrat Party MP and deputy chief government whip, yesterday.

The timeline has been approved by the government, he said, adding two days will be enough to cover about 20 issues the opposition is planning to bring forward.

Deputy House Speaker, Suchart Tancharoen, has been assigned by House Speaker Chuan Leekpai to meet government and opposition whips on Jan 25 to schedule the debate, he said.

At this point, it will likely take place either on Feb 15–16 or Feb 23–24, he said.

As for concerns raised by some political observers that Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha may dissolve the House before the general debate comes, Mr Chinnaworn said the letter is proof there won't be such an abrupt House dissolution as feared.

Sen Wanchai Sornsiri said he doubts whether Gen Prayut was serious when he said he would stay on until he fully finishes his term on March 23.

"I think [the PM] is only waiting for the organic laws on elections and political parties to become effective," he said.

A House dissolution is therefore expected to come no later than two weeks after these two organic laws come into effect, he said.

Deputy Pheu Thai leader Sutin Klungsang, in his capacity as the chief opposition whip, said the Feb 15 timeline doesn't seem ideal for the opposition as it is too close to the general election. According to reports, the election will be held on May 7.

"It won't do the government any good to allow itself to be grilled and risk losing popularity just ahead of the new poll, hence the chance is high that a House dissolution will be called before this debate," Mr Sutin said.

"And if that is the case, the opposition will go ahead with its planned debates in public instead," Mr Sutin added.

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