Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is set to confront a no-confidence motion in parliament starting Monday. The motion, spearheaded by the opposition People’s Party, centers on the country’s lackluster economic performance and allegations of undue influence from her father, Thaksin Shinawatra. Despite these challenges, Paetongtarn appears secure, with her ruling coalition holding a strong parliamentary majority, making it unlikely the motion will succeed when put to a vote on Wednesday.
Paetongtarn has maintained that her administration operates independently, despite accusations from opponents that her father, Thaksin, continues to wield significant influence. A political heavyweight in Thailand’s landscape, Thaksin has been a polarizing figure since his tenure as prime minister, having returned to the country in 2023 after a 15-year self-imposed exile due to a conviction on conflicts of interest and abuse of power. Upon his return, he was detained for six months before being released on parole. His public endorsements, including proposals to legalize gambling and adopt cryptocurrency, and backing a $14 billion economic stimulus initiative, mirror the agenda pursued by the current Pheu Thai-led government, fueling speculation about his role.
Paetongtarn’s government has been criticized for not achieving sufficient economic growth, with last year’s GDP growth of 2.5% falling short of regional counterparts. Structural problems and a household debt level of 16.34 trillion baht, equivalent to 89% of GDP—the highest in Asia—are cited as underlying issues the government needs to address. The opposition argues these problems have not been adequately targeted.
However, Parliamentary protocol complicates direct critiques of Thaksin’s influence, as rules prevent lawmakers from mentioning outsiders by name during the proceedings. Instead, after some debate, the term “family member” will be used as a substitute reference. Yuttaporn Issarachai, a political scientist at Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, criticized the opposition’s approach, noting, “The focus on Thaksin’s role and interference makes it too political and not beneficial to the public, instead of raising issues on the economy and security.”
At 38, Paetongtarn became prime minister in August, following the ouster of her political ally Srettha Thavisin due to an ethics violation. She is the fourth member of the Shinawatra family to ascend to Thailand’s top political position. Despite lukewarm opinion polls, her leadership appears unthreatened by internal coalition strife.
The no-confidence motion reflects broader societal concerns over governance and economic direction in Thailand, amplified by the shadow of Thaksin’s enduring presence in national politics. As the debate unfolds, the global spotlight remains on how Paetongtarn navigates these challenges, both from within her party and the broader political arena, and how these dynamics will shape Thailand’s economic and political landscape moving forward.
This story is based on a wire feed and has been edited for clarity. Stay informed with Live Mint for the latest business news, breaking events, and in-depth analysis. Download The Mint News App for frequent updates in the business market sector.
Original Source: https://www.livemint.com/news/world/thailand-pm-paetongtarn-shinawatra-censure-motion-opposition-aim-influence-father-thaksin-shinawatra-world-politics-news-11742791416486.html
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Publish Date: 2025-03-24 11:17:00
