Bangkok: Thai Prime Minister prayuthu Chan-ocha defended allegations of corruption and economic mismanagement in a televised session of parliament on Tuesday as a censure debate went on to undermine his credibility with the election within 11 months.
The 68-year-old retired army chief, who first came to power in a coup eight years ago, has won three no-confidence motions since the 2019 election, now remaining as prime minister in a 17-party coalition Huh.
Analysts say his parliamentary majority of 253 seats, compared to the opposition’s 208 seats, should ensure his survival, though the polls are showing a decline in popularity.
Prayuth also faces challenges from 16 renegade lawmakers who were expelled by him earlier this year. bed promotion party And have promised to vote with the opposition.
Ten cabinet ministers are also under condemnation, which runs through Friday with a no-confidence vote on Saturday.
“For the past eight years in power, the Prime Minister has failed to solve the country’s problems, generate development or improve the well-being of the people,” chonlanan shrikaweThe Leader of the Opposition told the House.
“Instead, they have created more problems, especially corruption.”
Prayuth dismissed the allegations, arguing that the government had resolved a range of issues, including reviving tourism and providing financial measures to address the hardship of the pandemic.
Prayuth said, “I have to clarify because you have accused me of failing. It is completely untrue.”
main opposition fu thaiThe most recent incarnation of the populist party, which has won five elections since 2001, also launched a parallel condemnation campaign, allowing the public to vote against the government through the messaging app Line.
Youth-led protest groups that emerged to challenge the government in July 2020 also planned meetings in front of parliament on each day of the debate to put pressure on Prayuth and his ministers.
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