People's Party challenges Thai ministers and proposed travel tax

Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, leader of the People's Party and Leader of the Opposition, has initiated significant political challenges against the current administration in Thailand.

The opposition has submitted a motion for a general debate to hold 18 ministers accountable through individual no-confidence votes. This marks the largest number of ministers targeted in a single motion since the 2017 Constitution. Notably, all 18 targeted ministers are affiliated with or part of the Bhumjaithai Party quota, with no ministers from the Pheu Thai Party included in the list. The motion aims to address what the opposition describes as the ‘blue regime’ dominating the country.

Separately, the People's Party is reviewing a proposal from the Revenue Department regarding a new travel tax. The draft legislation suggests a 1,000 baht fee for every individual traveling out of the country, regardless of nationality. Natthaphong stated that while the government needs to find new revenue sources, the party must evaluate whether this tax will create an undue burden on travelers and negatively impact the national tourism economy. The party intends to bring this matter to a parliamentary committee for further scrutiny.