In Bangkok, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is grappling with a no-confidence motion in parliament, stemming from accusations by the opposition that she is allowing her father, a former prime minister, to exert undue influence, leading to the nation’s mismanagement. As she navigates this challenge that has risen since she took office last year, it is anticipated that she will withstand the no-confidence vote scheduled for Wednesday owing to support from her ruling coalition, which commands a majority in the House of Representatives.
Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, leader of the opposition, criticizes Paetongtarn for failing to tackle significant issues such as the faltering economy, air pollution, crime, and corruption. He accuses her government of prioritizing her family’s interests, particularly those of her father, Thaksin Shinawatra, who is a politically divisive figure with a large following despite being ousted in 2006, living in exile, and recently returning to Thailand. Thaksin’s political legacy has steeped the nation in enduring divisions between rural supporters and urban, royalist factions who view him as endangering both their interests and the monarchy’s esteemed position.
Natthapong, leading the People’s Party which has evolved from the progressive Move Forward Party, highlights the political dynamics that unfolded when Pheu Thai allied with previous conservative opponents post-election. The Move Forward Party’s glimmer of electoral success in 2023 was dimmed as it failed to assume power due to resistance from conservative forces, who ultimately saw the party dissolved. Natthapong claims that the coalition’s formation, with Pheu Thai aligning with erstwhile conservative rivals, served primarily to facilitate Thaksin’s return to the country.
Further complicating the political climate, Paetongtarn faces allegations from Prawit Wongsuwan, leader of the Palang Pracharath Party, a former coalition partner, for falsely declaring her assets, which she denies.