BANGKOK, March 19 (TNA) - The Opposition Puea Thai Party no-confidence debate against the government of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva opens Thursday as Government and Opposition whips had earlier agreed to a two-day timeframe, 28 hours overall, for the debate and the voting is scheduled to take place Saturday.
Government Chief Whip Shinnaworn Boonyakiat said the head of the Opposition whips, Witthaya Buranasiri, agreed to the timeframe.
Mr. Shinaworn said the Opposition will present its case in 20 hours while the Government will explain and clarify their defence against the accusations in about 8 hours.
However, Mr. Shinaworn said the timeframe could be flexible in response to the situation.
On Thursday, the opposition is expected to grill Prime Minister Abhisit himself, Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya, and Deputy Finance Minister Pradit Phataraprasit.
Member of parliament Chalerm Yubamrung, leading the Puea Thai censure team, will open the debate.
Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij, Interior Minister Chavarat Charnvirakul and Deputy Interior Minister Boonjong Wongtrairat are the targets of the Opposition on Friday.
The Opposition has accused Mr. Abhisit and his five cabinet ministers of malfeasance and of violating the Constitution.
Mr. Chalerm said he was confident of the strength and accuracy of his evidence.
However, Mr. Abhisit and his ministers said they were not overly concerned about the debate as they would be able to respond to all the charges.
The debate set to start at 9.30 am and the vote of confidence remains set for Saturday. (TNA)
Political News : Last Update : 09:28:46 19 March 2009 (GMT+7:00)
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