After two days of debate over her performance as head of government, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra survived a censure motion on Wednesday. A majority of the House of Representatives gave her a vote of confidence, despite sharp criticism from the opposition over her leadership, policies and alleged conflicts of interest. Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai showed his support by applauding her in the chamber.
The vote took place during a short session of parliament on Wednesday morning. Speaker of the House Wan Muhamad Noor Matha opened the meeting at 10.00am, with 487 deputies present.
The motion was defeated by 319 votes against, 162 in favor and seven abstentions. Immediately after the announcement of the result, chairman Wan closed the meeting.
Unexpected support and internal divisions
The 319 votes for the prime minister surprisingly also included five members of the opposition Thai Sang Thai party, which holds a total of six seats. Party leader Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan sharply criticized her own party members, accusing them of betraying their voters.
Even within the coalition, unity was not self-evident. Among the seven abstentions were four members of parliament from the Democratic Party, including former party leaders Chuan Leekpai, Banyat Bantadtan and Jurin Laksanavisit.
Opposition wants independent investigation
The vote not only exposed the divisions within the opposition, but also prompted fierce reactions from its leaders. Opposition leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut announced that his People's Party will request independent bodies to investigate the issues raised during the debate.
“The government must prepare well for its defense,” according to Natthaphong. “The prime minister will not be able to refute much of the information we have, I expect.”
Prime Minister unfit for office according to opposition
During the debate, the prime minister was accused of not having enough knowledge, experience and political determination to lead the country effectively. According to the opposition, her leadership shows a lack of vision and decisiveness.
They cited high electricity prices and low agricultural incomes as structural problems that remain unresolved. Instead of structural reforms, the government would stick to costly support measures, which critics say are not very effective in economic terms.
Criticism of public appearances
The opposition has also criticized Paetongtarn's public stance on economic issues. At the Forbes Global CEO Conference in Bangkok last November, she said a strong baht would benefit Thai exports, a statement that opponents say is economically flawed. They say the prime minister regularly dodges questions or answers them incorrectly.
Influence of father and suspicious transactions
The opposition did not stop there and also focused on suspicions of political and financial conflicts of interest. They claimed that former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, her father, still exerts influence on government policy. In doing so, they openly questioned the Prime Minister's sincerity about his state of health. Thaksin was declared seriously ill and is being held in a private ward of the Police General Hospital, while he should actually be serving a prison sentence.
In addition, Paetongtarn was questioned about dubious financial constructions, such as the ownership of land at the Alpine golf resort and the acceptance of billions of baht in shares from family members. These shares were allegedly acquired through promissory notes, without any gift tax being paid on them.
Concerns over plans for legalized casinos
Finally, the opposition expressed serious concerns about her policy of developing entertainment complexes with legalized casinos. According to opponents, this plan poses significant risks to society and could lead to an increase in debt, addiction and other social problems.
The opposition warned the prime minister that her plans could plunge the country into a social and economic crisis.
Political unrest not over yet
Although Prime Minister Paetongtarn survived the motion of censure, the political debate is far from over. The announced investigations, the internal resistance within parties and the continued criticism from the opposition point to a turbulent period for her government.
Source: Bangkok Post – https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/politics/2987881/house-votes-down-censure-motion-against-pm
The PM defeated the opposition 2-1. Not a single point of their motion of censure could be substantiated. With 162 votes for the motion, the opposition still appears to lack sufficient clout. Ergo: 5 opposition members voted against the motion, thus in favor of the PM, who thereby received the support of more than her own coalition. You can therefore conclude that the PM emerged stronger from the debate, and that her position has been strengthened.
And that is precisely not the intention of a motion of censure! Couldn't the opposition have seen that coming? They are now making a very bad impression.
The PP of the MFP will have to work hard if they want to enter the arena in 2 years' time at the next elections well-prepared. In August '23 they gave away the victory. And now that the debate is over, the formula follows: "we have information that cannot be refuted". Was that not possible in the past few days?
It should be clear that one is there for oneself? To get there already costs a lot of money and then giving it away hurts.
It is the breeding ground for corruption in the country and then you should no longer find it strange to see it as normal.
The bigwigs can play their game and if the people remain calm with a little feeding every time, the sweet peace will be preserved. Building contacts is the credo and if a real fool comes, you are safe with the right contacts.
The suppression of some political parties and the protectionism of those in power is an issue and time will tell.