Deputy PM Phumtham Urges Public to Give Government a Chance Amid Paetongtarn Shinawatra Court Case
Bangkok: Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, currently serving as acting prime minister, has called on the public to give the government time to deliver results, emphasizing that the coalition and the Pheu Thai Party remain united amid mounting political uncertainty.
Phumtham’s remarks come ahead of a Constitutional Court ruling on August 29 concerning Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The case stems from a leaked audio clip of a conversation between Paetongtarn and Hun Sen, President of the Cambodian Senate, in which she faces allegations of a serious ethical violation that could cost her the premiership.
In a weekend interview with Nation TV, Phumtham outlined three possible scenarios:
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Voluntary Resignation: Paetongtarn could step down before the Court’s ruling, but Phumtham said there has been no discussion of such a move and deemed it highly unlikely.
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Survival and Continuity: If Paetongtarn retains her position, the government would have an opportunity to rebuild confidence and stability over the next one to two years, he said.
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Succession: Should Paetongtarn lose her seat, coalition partners would decide whether to back another Pheu Thai candidate or consider alternatives, depending on parliamentary consensus.
Phumtham stressed confidence in Paetongtarn’s integrity, stating, “Today we know the prime minister has done nothing wrong. If she had, there would be doubts. But as long as we can move forward together, there will be no splits.”
On public confidence, he acknowledged growing concerns reflected in polls but emphasized that government performance would ultimately prove its worth. “If she is given the opportunity, I believe all coalition partners will work together to push forward achievements over the next one to two years,” he said.
Addressing the leaked audio clip and Cambodian relations, Phumtham said he no longer trusts Hun Sen, although he advocates caution in dealings with Hun Manet, Cambodia’s current prime minister. He confirmed discussions with Hun Manet in Malaysia, where the Cambodian leader expressed regret over the incident.
Phumtham also commented on the balance between the government and military in managing security, particularly along the Thai-Cambodian border. He described the military as the “iron fist” and the government as the “velvet glove,” working together behind the scenes to safeguard sovereignty without resorting to unnecessary violence.
Phumtham’s remarks underscore his role as a trusted operative of the Shinawatra family, navigating both the political turbulence surrounding the prime minister and sensitive national security matters. He concluded, “We volunteered to solve problems, and we will confront them together. This is not an issue that undermines national security.”