Government MPs Sunday hailed what they said was a "comfortable" first day of the no-confidence debate against three cabinet ministers, largely because the opposition was unable to find any new material.
Pheu Thai MP Udomdej Rattanasatien, government chief whip, said late Sunday evening that the government was ‘doing fine’ based on the censure debate's first day.
He claimed the opposition did not have provide any surprises, and lacked sufficient information to back up allegations of corruption against the three ministers. Much of the debate centred on issues that had been discussed in various House committees and was not new.
Pheu Thai Party spokesman Prompong Nopparit also claimed "the government passed the test" during Sunday's first debate session. He said the opposition only retold the same old stories, with ministers able toclarify all allegations against them.
Sunday was spent largely in charges against Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubamrung, Defence Minister Sukumpol Suwanatat, and Deputy Interior Minister Chatt Kuldiloke in his former capacity as a deputy transport minister.
The Democrat Party kicked off the censure attempt by targetting Defence Minister Sukumpol Suwanatat for his role in the navy's scheme to modernise combat systems on two frigates.
Democrat MP for Songkhla Sirichok Sopha accused the defence minister of negligence of duty, opening the way for corruption and putting the lives of naval crew in danger.
Mr Sirichok's debate centred on the navy's contract awarded to SAAB AB to upgrade combat systems on the HTMS Naresuan and HTMS Taksin frigates.
The Democrat MP charged that ACM Sukumpol had altered the terms of reference (ToR) of the scheme just 12 days after assuming the defence portfolio.
In his defense, ACM Sukumpol said the change in ToR was in line with the navy's opinion.
He was also accused of negligence of duty allowing for corruption in the procurement of a third navy vessel.
Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubamrung fended off an accusation by Rak Thailand Party leader and former massage parlour operator Chuvit Kamolvisit that state funds were used to pay for luxurious furniture in his office at the Royal Thai Police Office (RTPO).
Mr Chalerm said the furniture and other decorative items in his office were brought from his home. He insisted no state funds were used to purchase new furniture.
He was also accused of abusing his authority and serving the interests of ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra.
The other two days of the no-confidence debate - Monday and Tuesday - are reserved for debating against Ms Yingluck alone