Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha survived a no-confidence vote in parliament after a four-day debate in which the opposition criticized his government for its handling of the COVID-19 outbreak, the economy and alleged corruption.
The no-confidence motion against the premier was rejected by 272 lawmakers, while 206 voted supported it, according to a televised broadcast of the proceedings in parliament on Saturday. Nine other ministers also survived no-confidence votes as the coalition parties supporting Prayut’s government rallied behind them.
"Although they all survived the votes, some of the ministers received fewer votes than others, and that points to a reshuffle in the next few months,” said Punchada Sirivunnabood, a Thai political analyst and an associate professor at Mahidol University near Bangkok. However, the government’s win suggests the ruling coalition would last its full term, she said.