A Fresh Spin on Thaksin's Role in Paetongtarn's Government
Thaksin's alleged impact on the present administration is refuted by Paetongtarn.
In the realm of Thai politics, debate over whether former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's influence seeps into the present regime led by his daughter, Incumbent Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, refuses to simmer down. Yet, as Paetongtarn insists that her father won't pull the strings, Thaksin's words remain potent, shaping talks and perceptions within the political sphere.
Regarding the hushed whispers about an impending Cabinet reshuffle, particularly Thaksin's nudge towards keeping the Interior Ministry within the Pheu Thai Party's grasp, Paetongtarn brushed off the press, retaining the ultimate decision-making power regarding such matter.
She made it clear she doesn't desire to unsettle her ministers, skittish from the rumor mill. On assessing the Interior Ministry's performance over the past two years, Paetongtarn dismissed Thaksin's critique as a personal opinion, leaving room for her own assessment.
Speaking of Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's performance, she pointed out the swiftness of communication as a positive aspect, conceding, however, that every ministry has limitations on their reach.
When quizzed about future potential ministerial reshuffles, Paetongtarn remained open, echoing what she emphasized during her campaign - everything is possible. Framing the government as robust as it was on day one, she also expressed gratitude for the successful passage of the first reading of the budget bill.
In response to the Bhumjaithai Party's stance seemingly diverging from the government, particularly on the digital wallet cash handout issue, Paetongtarn expressed no alarm: "Are you talking about their suggestion to boost the amount to 20,000 baht? It's not entirely contradictory. They're proposing an increase, but the budget isn't limitless, and other priorities must be addressed first."
Rumors of Thaksin's remarks destabilizing the coalition government were summarily dismissed by Paetongtarn. "Explain to me how he exerts control? For starters, those influenced by his words are not merely within Pheu Thai. Even those outside of politics feel his impact. If he has control over others, that would mean mass manipulation, wouldn't it?", she rebuffed.
"It's all about individual perspectives. Whether someone lets themselves be swayed or not is their choice. I don't see it as control. It's all about people deciding whether to give credence to what is said-not just by Thaksin, but by anyone."
When pressed again about ruling out any return of the "Thaksin thinks, Pheu Thai acts" pattern, Paetongtarn affirmed: "Thaksin offers suggestions, and his daughter, me, considers them."
Tags:
- Paetongtarn
- Paetongtarn Shinawatra
- Thaksin Shinawatra
- Influence
- Thai Politics
- Cabinet reshuffle
- Interior Ministry
- anutin charnvirakul
- Bhumjaithai Party
- Despite ongoing debates about Thaksin Shinawatra's influence on Paetongtarn Shinawatra's government, Paetongtarn maintains that her father won't wield power, as Thaksin's opinions continue to shape the political landscape.
- In the context of general news, Paetongtarn expressed mixed opinions regarding the performance of the Interior Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, acknowledging positive aspects of swift communication but also recognizing the ministry's limitations.
- On the topic of business, Paetongtarn remained open to potential cabinet reshuffles, ensuring the government maintains its robust nature as it continues to address matters such as the digital wallet cash handout issue, which has caused diverging stances within the coalition government.
