Political experts split on censure outcome

Political analysts yesterday offered mixed assessments on the two-day censure debate in which Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra was the sole target.

- MONGKOL BANGPRAPA , AEKARACH SATTABURUTH, CHAKKRAPAN NATANRI

Somchai Srisutthiyakorn, a former election commissioner, said the debate was a tie for the government and the opposition and that no significant changes were expected as a result.

Despite having a strong backup team, Ms Paetongtarn's responses were not informative, and she provided specific information only on the issue of ultrafine dust pollution, he said.

Mr Somchai said the opposition leader, Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, who presented the censure motion, failed to demonstrate a big picture and capture public attention during his opening argument. He said that when delivering the closing statement, Mr Natthaphong missed an opportunity to highlight the premier's and the government's shortcomings and instead gave only a summary of the debate.