The opposition used the debate to turn the spotlight on Thaksin’s “outside influence” on Paetongtarn’s government and list out its alleged missteps in handling economic, security and foreign policy issues. The 38-year-old Paetongtarn, who’s also the head of the ruling Pheu Thai Party, lacked the necessary qualifications and was acting only as a proxy for a family member, opposition lawmakers alleged, without naming Thaksin.
The censure debate was the biggest test for the ruling coalition consisting of several pro-royalist and military-backed parties that was cobbled together to thwart a pro-reformist party that emerged as a surprise election winner in 2023. The Pheu Thai-led alliance, which commands almost a two-third majority in parliament, was seen as part of a deal with the conservatives that allowed Thaksin to return from a 15-years of self-imposed exile.Since his release from a royally commuted prison sentence for corruption last year, Thaksin, 75, has been accused of meddling in government affairs and directing state policies.
Coalition Unity
The defeat of the motion also signals that there’s no immediate risk to Paetongtarn’s six-month old government. Key parties in the coalition have at times tussled over proposals including Pheu Thai’s flagship cash handout program to stimulate the economy and a push to legalize casinos.
The Shinawatras-backed Pheu Thai has also also butted heads with Bhumjaithai, the second-biggest bloc in the coalition that’s widely seen as controlling the upper-house Senate, about whether to re-criminalize or regulate cannabis.
Opposition leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut alleged that the government exists only to serve a “deal” that helped bring Thaksin back to Thailand without serving time in jail. The opposition lawmakers also accused the premier of facilitating Thaksin’s stay in a police hospital during the entire jail term.
Paetongtarn denied any role in Thaksin’s return or his subsequent stay in the hospital, saying it happened before she took the office. She said Thaksin had been determined to come back regardless of who was in power.
“As a daughter, I’m completely a daddy’s girl,” Paetongtarn told the parliament Tuesday. “As prime minister, I never use my power to interfere with any agencies or process. You cannot ask me to resign from being a daughter and a mother.” The opposition also used the debate to highlight Paetongtarn administration’s shortcomings in resolving the high household debt levels and weak farm product prices. Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy grew 2.5% last year, about half the pace of neighboring Indonesia.
