Group calls on Prayut to resign as PM

Group calls on Prayut to resign as PM

The anti-government group, Samakkhi Prachachon, on Tuesday submitted a letter to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, calling on the premier to resign for poor governance over the past seven years.

Sompas Nilphan, the Prime Minister's Office deputy permanent secretary, accepted the letter on behalf of the prime minister from Adul Khiewboriboon, the group's leader, and Jatuporn Prompan, a group member and chairman of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship.

The letter accused Gen Prayut of failing to fulfil his promises, adding he failed to achieve reforms and reconciliation, while political conflicts have worsened and corruption has increased.

In the economic field, the group said the government under Gen Prayut has spent altogether 20.8 trillion baht, but the number of poor individuals has actually increased by 100%.

Jatuporn said Gen Prayut had claimed he remained in power to protect the royal institution, but in practice, he had not only ignored the nation's problems but also used Section 112, the lese majeste law, to destroy his political opponents.

Furthermore, Gen Prayut has failed to contain the nation's Covid-19 outbreaks, he said.

As such, the UDD chairman called on Gen Prayut to follow in the footsteps of the late Gen Prem Tinsulanonda, who turned down a request to remain as prime minister after holding office for eight years.

In response to the calls for Gen Prayut's resignation, government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri said national reforms are already making headway with several pieces of legislation currently being pushed through parliament.

Public hearings have to be conducted to gauge the public's opinion on potentially contentious issues, which can take some time to complete, he said.

Mr Anucha then stressed the need for the government not to rush through the drafts, as this may fuel more conflicts in the future.

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