The two-day general debate that starts today in parliament could intensify the Prayut Chan-o-cha government's political vulnerability.
Gen Prayut, however, insists his government remains strong, dismissing rumours of disunity and rifts within the ruling Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP).
Yet the political predicament is more than apparent, with former PPRP secretary-general Thamanat Prompow leading a breakaway faction and having over a dozen MPs under his control. Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon has also downplayed the rifts, but several observers see them as a political timebomb that could jeopardise the PPRP as well as dim Gen Prayut's political future.
The 30-hour debate aims to scrutinise the government's performance and offer recommendations. It is being spearheaded by Pheu Thai, the main opposition party, in accordance with Section 152 of the constitution, which allows the opposition to grill the government. Of those 30 hours, 22 are allocated to the opposition bloc, six to the government, and two to coalition MPs.
Although it will not end in a vote, the debate will shine a light on the government's performance in recent months, which has plunged the country into numerous crises.
To list a few, we have seen economic hardship that has resulted from Covid-related restrictions, as well as a rise in joblessness, and the soaring cost of living due to consumer price inflation; a failure in handling the African swine flu outbreak, with suspicions of cover-ups by some state agencies, which has caused many small pork farmers to go bankrupt, threatening the domestic pork industry; and other issues such as rampant corruption, government inefficiency, and a surge in the use of illegal narcotics.
The government has managed to achieve all this in three-quarters of its term, and the situation is not looking bright for what little time it has left. The opposition also aims to address the failures of the government's attempt to instigate reform.
In lieu of a vote, the government may be able to keep its head above water. But if the opposition does a good enough job, the debate -- which will be televised live -- gives it a chance to advance its political credit ahead of the no-confidence debate expected in May.
It could also jeopardise the PPRP's chances in the next general election, set to take place in early 2023, as the public is reminded of all the government's mistakes.
But the opposition bloc must focus and avoid any political faux pas, such as those that have led to a series of collapsed House sessions in recent months. While these highlighted the weakness of the government's paper-thin majority and high-profile rifts in the coalition, they have eroded public confidence not just in the government and the opposition, but in the entire institution.
Both sides are bound to respect the rules during the debate, and uphold parliament's honour. Government MPs must avoid rowdy responses aimed at protecting the embattled prime minister, and listen to the opposition with an open mind. In doing so, they can show parliament remains functional as a check-and-balance institution the public can rely on.
