The final stretch of the budget debate will last over three days from tomorrow as every Cabinet member is called on to clarify planned spendings, coalition chief whip Witthaya Kaewparadai said yesterday.
Witthaya said the opposition had already agreed to the time allotted and that the debate be broadcast live on state-run radio and television outlets.
Coalition lawmakers are expected to turn up in full force to ensure the quorum for debate and vote, he said.
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has instructed Cabinet members to be present at the debate, except for those with prior engagements to attend a royal function.
Coalition parties are obligated to ensure full attendance by a total of 260 government MPs. The Puea Pandin Party, though siding with the coalition, has some dissident MPs sitting on the opposition bench. The opposition has 210 votes.
Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said the coalition was confident on passage of the 2011 Budget.
Suthep ruled out speculation on a coalition rift which could jeopardise the vote, saying the coalition alliance was intact and ready to support the budgetary allocations.
He refused to comment on news reports that certain MPs from Puea Pandin might reject the spending plans, saying he was not mindful about individual votes when the coalition could ensure the bill's passage.
He repeated the denial of any linkage between the rejection of the CNG bus project and the budget vote.