Opposition files general debate motion against government on Friday

Thai opposition parties, led by Pheu Thai, submitted a motion today (Friday), signed up by 173 MPs, to House Speaker Chuan Leekpai seeking a general debate against the government under Section 152 of the Constitution.

Opposition and Pheu Thai party leader Chonlanan Srikaew said that they will debate the COVID-19 and African Swine Fever outbreaks, environmental problems, economic problems caused by the high cost of living and low wages, political reform failures and bureaucratic corruption.

He said that the opposition wants at least 36 hours for the debate and would like the event to be held between February 16th and 18th.

Chonlanan said he expects the debate to inform the public of the truth behind the problems and what has gone wrong in the government’s handling of them, in the hope that it will put pressure on the government.

He admitted, however, that he does not expect the debate to lead to any changes in parliament.

According to Section 152 of the Constitution, there will be no vote at the end of a general debate.

Source: Thai Public Broadcasting Service