Bhumjaithai pushes for no-confidence debate against PM and ministers

The Bhumjaithai party has invited its opposition partners to support its motion to the House Speaker, seeking a no-confidence debate against Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and her ministers when parliament reconvenes on July 3.

Spokesperson for the party, Nan Boonthida Somchai, said that the party’s 69 MPs unanimously voted at a meeting today to seek a censure debate over the leaked conversation between Paetongtarn and Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen, adding that the party cannot trust her anymore.

Under Section 151 of the Constitution, at least one-fifth of the MPs are required to second the no-confidence motion.

Currently, there are 495 MPs in the House of Representatives, of which 233 are opposition MPs, including 69 from the Bhumjaithai party, 142 from the People’s party, 20 from the Palang Pracharath party and one MP each from the Thai Sang Thai and Fair parties.

According to the Constitution, once the no-confidence motion is submitted to the House, the prime minister cannot dissolve parliament unless the opposition withdraws the motion.

Bhumjaithai withdrew from Paetongtarn’s coalition government less than a week ago, citing both political disagreements and a loss of trust.

A key point of contention was the Interior Ministry portfolio—Pheu Thai reportedly sought to take over the position, but Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul, who held the post, opposed the move.

Tensions escalated further after a leaked conversation between Paetongtarn and Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen, prompting Bhumjaithai to formally exit the coalition and later push for a no-confidence debate.