Censure motion on Pracha to be held within this month

“I think a one-day, one-night debate would be enough for a single censure target,” he said, adding that he would tentatively schedule the censure debate for November 27 and the vote on the following day.

He was speaking after chief opposition whip Jurin Laksanawisit lodged the no-confidence motion citing Pracha’s failure in flood-control operation and his involvement in irregularities related to the relief supplies.

The censure debate is sanctioned by Article 159 of the Constitution.

Pracha will have about two weeks to prepare his rebuttals.

Jurin said 153 Democrat MPs had co-sponsored the no-confidence motion against Pracha, saying the grilling would be based on solid evidence linking the minister to the irregularities.

“I admit the censure debate may not oust Pracha due to the coalition majority, but I think the evidence would make it difficult for coalition MPs vote in support of him,” he said, adding that he had no objection to the debate being kept to one day.

After the censure motion, the opposition will ask the Constitution Court to see if seven Pheu Thai MPs, including Pracha, are qualified to continue holding House seats.

The seven are accused of committing constitutional offence by transgressing the executive power they have been given related to the flood control.

The other six MPs are Karun Hosakul, Jirayu Huangsap, Thanusak Lekuthai, Sorachart Thienthong, Vicharn Minchainant and Vorachai Hemma.