An opposition MP is seeking a censure debate against the government over its alleged failure to contain the Covid-19 pandemic.
Pheu Thai MP for Nan, Cholnan Srikaew, said yesterday he will ask opposition parties to table a no-confidence motion against the government when the new parliamentary session begins on May 22.
"This is the right time to censure the government for failing to contain the pandemic,''Mr Cholnan said.
The country has been hit by several waves of Covid-19, which have dealt severe blows to the economy. This shows the government does not measure up to the job, he said.
Meanwhile, Pheu Thai secretary-general Prasert Chanthararuangthong and representatives of other opposition parties yesterday petitioned the National Anti-Corruption Commission, asking it to investigate Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, in his capacity as director of the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration, over his alleged pandemic failures.
Several accusations were made against him, including allowing state officials to abuse their positions to seek personal benefits, as well as violating the constitution and several laws such as the Communicable Disease Act, the National Anti-Corruption Act, the Act on Prices of Goods and Services, the Investment Promotion Act, and the State Finance Discipline Act.
The opposition parties said the government has run the country in a way that put vested interests before public interest.
They referred to the hoarding of face masks that led to shortages early last year.
In dealing with the three waves of infections, the prime minister was negligent in enforcing compliance with the law which led to the first wave resulting from a boxing event at Lumpini boxing stadium, the parties alleged.
In the second wave that originated in Samut Sakhon, the government failed to prevent the smuggling and illegal entry of migrant workers while the latest wave, linked to nightspots, saw venues operating illegally, they said.
They also accused the PM of failing to act against cabinet ministers and government MPs who visited these night spots and contracted the virus.
