Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha denied an allegation made during a censure debate that he had received benefits related to illegal gambling dens.
The issue was raised by Pol Gen Sereepisuth Temeeyaves, leader of the opposition Seri Ruam Thai Party, at the start of the four-day debate on Tuesday.
Prayut denied the claim, saying the information was taken from the media and solid evidence and witnesses were still required to back the claim.
In his censure debate opening address, Sompong Amornvivat, leader of the opposition, said the opposition would expose irregularities in the country's administration by the government and "unmask" Prayut, whose alleged monopoly of power has damaged the country.
"The people want a prime minister who cares more about them more than he does about retaining his power," Mr Sompong said.
On the issue of illegal gambling dens, which are partly to blame for the second wave of Covid-19, Prayut said he has never supported any kind of gambling.
Currently, there are several cases involving gambling dens in Rayong, Chon Buri, Chanthaburi, Trat, Samut Prakan, Bangkok, in Nonthaburi's Bang Bua Thong district, a cockfighting ring in Sukhothai's Thung Saliam district, as well as online gambling networks, Gen Prayut said.
The prime minister urged the public to give information on gambling dens directly to him so action will be taken against them.
The four-day no-confidence debate started on Tuesday, and a vote will be taken on Saturday, with Gen Prayut and nine other cabinet ministers in the opposition's crosshairs.
This will be the second time the government is censured by the opposition in a no-confidence debate after having stayed in office for almost two years.
