The Ratsadon protest group has asked permission to camp in parliament grounds to monitor the coming no-confidence debate against the government.
Members of the group on Monday arrived at parliament and handed a letter seeking House Speaker Chuan Leekpai's permission to set up camp and monitor the work of lawmakers during the censure debate.
The group said they will also hold an activity for people to cast mock ballots against cabinet ministers targeted in the censure debate.
Phongsri Tharaphum, a member of Mr Chuan's working panel on political affairs, accepted the letter on his behalf.
Natthapong Ruangpanyawut, a Move Forward Party MP for Bangkok, supported the move, saying parliament officials should arrange a place for the group to hold their activities on parliament's premises so they will not take to the streets and cause people trouble.
Meanwhile, Pheu Thai Party leader Cholnan Srikaew said yesterday the party has a line-up of speakers ready for the debate, while an allotment of time among MPs from other opposition parties for the debate is being discussed.
He expressed confidence that Pheu Thai has substantial proof to back allegations against the targeted ministers.
They will be censured for alleged mishandling of government administration matters and alleged violation of codes of ethics, among several allegations, Dr Cholnan said.
After the debate, the party will petition the court and the National Anti-Corruption to look into such allegations.
"Let's wait and see how many cabinet ministers will lose their seats [after the debate]," Dr Cholnan said.
On June 15, the opposition formally filed a motion of no-confidence against Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and 10 other cabinet ministers including Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon.
Dr Cholnan, who led the submission of the motion for the censure debate, said he expected the debate to last five days, probably from July 18-22.
It will be the last censure debate the opposition can initiate before the government's tenure expires next March.
