Thai opposition files censure motion against 18 ministers on Oct 8
Thailand’s opposition motion has 145 signatures and covers alleged Senate selection corruption, recruitment exams and the handling of floods.
- Thailand's opposition filed a no-confidence motion on October 8 against 18 government ministers, including Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
- The motion, supported by 145 lawmakers, accuses the government of being a "blue regime" that threatens democracy and monopolizes power.
- Allegations include corruption in the Senate selection process, mismanagement of public crises, and the opposition plans legal action if wrongdoing is proven.
Thailand’s opposition submitted a no-confidence motion against 18 ministers, including Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, at Parliament on October 8, 2026. Opposition leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, who heads the People’s Party, led the submission, which carried the signatures of 145 lawmakers.
The opposition’s seven-page motion invokes Section 151 of the Constitution and sets out allegations against each of the 18 ministers individually, Natthaphong said.
Opposition alleges ‘blue regime’ threatens democracy
Natthaphong said the opposition wanted to scrutinise what it calls the “blue regime”, accusing it of extending its control over the country’s institutions and posing a serious threat to democracy.
“In this debate, we want to express no confidence in the ‘blue regime’, which is taking over this country,” Natthaphong said. “We regard the blue regime as an enemy of democracy and a crime against the democratic system. It is clearly opposed to democracy and is monopolising power in this country, not only in the House of Representatives but potentially also among senators and within checks-and-balances mechanisms, including independent organisations.”
Natthaphong said the no-confidence motion covered alleged corruption in the Senate selection process and local government recruitment examinations, alongside the government’s handling of crises affecting the public, including flooding.
Anutin among 18 ministers named in the motion
The opposition’s no-confidence motion targets the following 18 ministers individually:
- Anutin Charnvirakul: Prime Minister and Interior Minister.
- Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn: Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister.
- Songsak Thongsri: Deputy Prime Minister.
- Ekniti Nitithanprapas: Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister.
- Suphajee Suthumpun: Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister.
- Pakorn Nilprapunt: Deputy Prime Minister.
- Lt Gen Adul Boonthumjaroen: Defence Minister.
- Surasak Phancharoenworakul: Tourism and Sports Minister.
- Chaichanok Chidchob: Digital Economy and Society Minister.
- Suchart Chomklin: Natural Resources and Environment Minister.
- Pol Lt Gen Rutthaphon Naowarat: Justice Minister.
- Napintorn Srisunpang: Minister Attached to the Prime Minister’s Office.
- Supamas Isarabhakdi: Minister Attached to the Prime Minister’s Office.
- Paradorn Prissananantakul: Minister Attached to the Prime Minister’s Office.
- Suksomrauy Wantaneeyakul: Minister Attached to the Prime Minister’s Office.
- Siripong Angkasakulkiat: Deputy Transport Minister.
- Jeseth Thaiseth: Deputy Interior Minister.
- Worasit Liangprasit: Deputy Interior Minister.
Opposition plans legal action if wrongdoing is established
Natthaphong described the motion as part of the opposition’s responsibility to scrutinise the executive branch and said the participating parties were confident in the information and evidence supporting their allegations.
The opposition would pursue legal proceedings against individual ministers after the debate if grounds for wrongdoing were established, Natthaphong said. “After the debate, we will take every possible step to use all the evidence to pursue legal action against individual ministers.”
Natthaphong also called on members of Parliament (MPs) from both the government and opposition benches to fulfil their legislative responsibilities impartially, basing their votes on the information and evidence presented against each minister.
Kla Tham has not signed no-confidence motion
The Kla Tham Party had not joined the signatories to the no-confidence motion, Natthaphong said, adding that the party would have to explain its position itself.
Natthaphong said the 145 signatories were serving lawmakers from the participating opposition parties. Some opposition members might have faced constraints that prevented them from adding their signatures, he said.
