PM says media ‘read my mind’ when asked about dissolution decree
PM Anutin Charnvirakul says reporters “read my mind” when asked about preparing a dissolution decree, declines to say whether he will dissolve the House before a censure debate, and urges the opposition to use Section 152 if they genuinely want scrutiny.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on Wednesday (19 November) reaffirmed his readiness to face a general debate, but made clear that a no-confidence motion under Section 151 would inevitably trigger his decision to dissolve the House.
Speaking at Government House, Anutin said his Bhumjaithai Party and the People’s Party remain firmly committed to their memorandum of agreement (MOA).
On the question of a possible dissolution, he reiterated his earlier stance that the House will be dissolved no later than January 31, 2026, but stressed this does not mean he must wait until that date.
“I lead a minority government. If there is a no-confidence debate, we will lose the vote whenever it is taken. That’s why I am the first prime minister to openly announce the dissolution plan. If anything stops the government from functioning, we must return power to the people.”
He said he welcomes scrutiny, but urged the opposition to file a general debate without a vote under Section 152 if they genuinely want the government to respond and clarify issues.
“If they are afraid I might avoid the debate, then file a Section 152 motion, we are ready to respond. But if they file a Section 151 no-confidence motion, no matter how well we defend ourselves, we cannot win the vote.”
He added that an administration with fewer numbers must consider whether it would allow “the majority to topple the minority”.
“I’m not running away. If a Section 152 motion is filed, we will stay until the end and leave on January 31, 2026. But if it’s Section 151, then I have my rights too.”
People’s Party signatures not a breach of the MOA
Asked whether People’s Party MPs co-signing a no-confidence motion with Pheu Thai would violate the coalition agreement, Anutin said: “They are not related.”
He insisted the government has been in office for barely a month and there is nothing serious enough to justify a no-confidence censure. He said it is already public knowledge that the government will dissolve the House within 120 days, and is spending this period addressing unresolved national problems.
“Whether dissolution happens in December or January makes no difference. I will not allow myself to be trapped in anyone’s political game.”
Debate filing does not automatically block dissolution, PM says
When asked about House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha’s remark that the mere filing of a no-confidence motion prevents dissolution, Anutin responded only that “there are many details involved”.
He gave the same reply when questioned about Deputy Prime Minister Bowornsak Uwanno’s view that the motion must first be verified and formally notified to the prime minister before dissolution becomes impossible.
Asked whether he shares Bowornsak’s interpretation, Anutin simply replied: “I follow Anutin.”
PM hints dissolution decree is ready
When pressed on whether he has already prepared a draft royal decree for dissolution, Anutin smiled, laughed, nodded, and pointed at the reporter who asked the question before saying: “You read my mind.”
He then walked up to his office on the second floor of Thai Khu Fah building.
