The ruling Pheu Thai Party on Monday warned the opposition against using the no-confidence debate as an opportunity to attack or defame former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra verbally.
It insisted Thaksin is not a member of the government and should be kept out of the debate.
But if lawmakers make references to him in a way that violates Thaksin's rights, they would be subject to prosecution.
The no-confidence debate, set to take place late this month or in early March, is for grilling the government or conveying suggestions on national affairs. It must comply with the law and regulations,Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said on Monday.
He was responding to speculation the opposition might seize the opportunity to target Thaksin, who is the father of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and is widely perceived as Pheu Thai's de facto leader.
Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, left, and his daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra. (Photo: Pheu Thai Party)
The opposition is expected to file a no-confidence motion in parliament by Feb 27.
It has demanded five days for the debate, while the government says it should not exceed three days.
"The opposition may want to think twice [about its intention to have Thaksin grilled in the debate] as making any references to an outsider in a no-confidence debate won't be protected by the law and regulations," said Mr Phumtham.
Prime Minister's Office Minister Chousak Sirinil said he personally believes it is impossible to hold the debate for five consecutive days.
Mr Chousak said the government and opposition must talk further to determine the debate's length and date.
He also echoed Mr Phumtham's warning that the opposition should avoid making unnecessary references to Thaksin during the debate.
Thaksin might consider filing a defamation suit against anyone who drags him into the debate.
It would be unfair to Thaksin, who is unable to defend himself against censure allegations during the session, which will be televised live, said Mr Chousak.
United Thai Nation (UTN) Party deputy leader Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana, meanwhile, expressed confidence the government will be able to fend off censure issues and sail through the no-confidence debate.
The government has been focusing on work to improve the country's economy and straighten out problems on other fronts.
The debate should present an ideal opportunity for the government to improve public understanding of what it has been working on, he added.
- Read more: Thaksin permitted to travel abroad
Thaksin was sentenced to eight years in jail — later reduced to one year by a royal pardon — on the day he returned to Thailand in August 2023. He never spent a night behind bars, serving his time at the Police General Hospital before being granted parole in February last year. A royal pardon last year made him a free man a few days ahead of schedule.
The former telecommunications tycoon is still facing charges of lese-majeste and Computer Crime Act violations and needs court permission to travel abroad. The court has scheduled seven sessions in July this year to hear testimony in the case, which arose from an interview he gave in South Korea in 2015.