A pro-democracy group yesterday called on the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) to launch a no-confidence debate against the Prayut Chan-o-cha administration.
The group called for the impeachment of the entire cabinet for what it said was its failure to solve economic problems and for abuse of civil rights.
Led by student activist Sirawit Serithiwat, also known as "Ja New", the group which calls itself "Start-up People", demanded the NLA censure the government over pressing economic issues and violations of civil rights and liberties.
"The regime never listens to the voices of the people while arresting those who criticise its performance. The regime resorts to the use of violence against students who express their opinions, which is a violation of their rights," Mr Sirawit said.
According to the group, there were also growing allegations of corruption in government procurement schemes, a lack of transparency in budget allocation and practices of favouritism to reward supporters of the regime.
Mr Sirawit said the NLA should carry out its duty as members of parliament under Section 263 of the 2017 constitution and seek a no-confidence debate against the government in accordance with Section 151.
"When the public questions the government's transparency the NLA must act in line with the public and investigate corruption allegations seriously. We're demanding the NLA launch a no-confidence debate against the entire cabinet and a vote of no-confidence," Mr Sirawit said.
Mr Sirawit, who is also a core member of New Democracy Movement, read the petition in front of Dusit Zoo, near parliament, before he entered parliament and handed it to Pongkit Arunpakdisakul, attached to the Office of the Senate's Secretariat.
The group demanded the NLA take action within 30 days and said if the NLA refused to act by the third week of January, Start-Up People would organise public debates across the country.
Mr Pongkit said a petition would be forwarded to the NLA's whips for further action.