A pro-democracy group yesterday renewed its call for the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) to hold a no-confidence debate against the Prayut Chan-o-cha administration.
Led by activist Sirawit Serithiwat, also known as "Ja New", the group threatened to use "drastic measures" to pressure the NLA to launch the censure debate against Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and his ministers if the NLA failed to act in a week.
The group, which calls itself "Start-up People", made the same demand in December last year, calling on the NLA to censure the government over pressing economic issues and violations of civil rights and liberties. It also demanded the impeachment of the entire cabinet for what it said was its failure to solve economic problems and for abuse of civil rights.
"So far the NLA president and its members have not taken any action. The group is here today to demand progress.
"We also have two proposals. We will give the NLA seven days to make preparations for the debate and impeachment. If there is no progress within in seven days, we will use drastic measures to pressure for them," Mr Sirawit read from the petition.
The group yesterday read the petition in front of Dusit Zoo, opposite parliament, before handing it over.
The petition was accepted by Nat Phasuk, secretary-general of the Senate in his capacity as the secretary of the NLA.
Mr Sirawit said he wanted the NLA members to accept the petition.
Commenting on speculation the NLA may vote to delay the enforcement of the organic bill on MP elections, he said he believed the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) was behind the move as it wanted to hang on to power.
He noted the regime would continue its stay in power and the NLA would continue receiving pay cheques if the enforcement of the organic bill was postponed.
He said his group would meet on Feb 1 to discuss measures to be taken if the NLA failed to comply with its demands.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha earlier denied the regime ordered the NLA to delay the enforcement of the organic bill on MP elections which would subsequently push back the general election to February next year.
While Mr Sirawit was about to enter parliament to submit the petition, political activist Ekachai Hongkangwan, who has tried to hand a watch as a gift to Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon on several occasions, turned up with news clippings from home and overseas showing Gen Prawit's watch collection.
Mr Ekachai was spotted by security guards and escorted out of the compound.