BANGKOK, Feb 27 (TNA) – Thailand’s opposition parties on Thursday submitted a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, accusing her of incompetence, economic mismanagement, and allowing her father, former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, to influence government affairs.
Nattapong Ruangpanyawut, leader of the opposition, led a team of 166 lawmakers from four parties – the People’s Party, Palang Pracharath Party, Thai Sang Thai Party, and Fair Party – to file the motion with the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
The motion accuses Paetongtarn of lacking the qualifications and ability to solve the country’s problems, failing to take responsibility as prime minister, overseeing a failed economy with one of the lowest GDP growth rates in ASEAN, appointing unqualified individuals to ministerial positions, lacking leadership, and allowing her father to interfere in government administration. The motion also alleges corruption within the government.
House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha said he would examine the motion for accuracy and inform the opposition leader within seven days. The government will then be notified, with initial coordination suggesting the debate will begin on March 24.
Paetongtarn, who was present at the parliament, said she was not surprised by the motion and was ready to answer all questions. She expressed confidence that her coalition partners would support her during the debate.
“It is the opposition’s right to file a no-confidence motion,” Paetongtarn told reporters. “I am ready to answer all questions. Anything related to specific ministries, I will ask the respective ministers to help answer.”
She dismissed allegations that she was a proxy for her father, saying she had done nothing wrong. – 819 (TNA)
