The opposition Thai Liberal party leader, Pol Gen Seripisut Temiyavet, said today that the government has completely failed in political reform, lacks the sincerity needed to lead political reform, and cited several examples of tainted politicians managing to get elected to parliament, only to be stripped of their parliamentary status later and rampant money politics.
Taking to the floor after opposition leader Chonlanan Srikaew, Seripisut said that Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha now looks like a man who is completely exhausted, physically and mentally, is barely capable of standing up and remains ill-equipped, despite his almost eight years in the position.
The former police chief said that the Election Commission was created by the government for its own benefit, to prolong its stay in power, and alleged that the last general election in 2019 was riddled with irregularities, adding that he was hounded by army personnel himself.
During the debate, he suggested that all the EC provincial offices should be closed and local teachers are recruited to oversee elections.
He also suggested that local police should replace headmen and public health volunteers in the investigation of election cheating.
On poverty, Seripisut pointed out that the number of people living under the poverty line is increasing after almost eight years of this administration.
He said that he believes the prime minister will have no chance of another political comeback if he dissolves the parliament or resigns. It would symbolize his political defeat.