PM Paetongtarn’s political shrug: Dodging EC probe bombshell
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra shrugged off the Election Commission’s (EC) bombshell probe into allegations that could see her Pheu Thai Party and five political allies dissolved. Accusations are flying that the parties let an outsider pull the strings, and that outsider is none other than former PM, and Paetongtarn’s kin, Thaksin Shinawatra.
The drama kicked off when key figures from Pheu Thai, Bumjaithai, United Thai Nation (UTN), Palang Pracharath (PPRP), Chartthaipattana, and Prachachat huddled at Thaksin’s Bangkok home on the very day PM Srettha Thavisin got dismissed. August 14 saw Srettha axed by the Constitutional Court for a dodgy appointment, sparking the six-party pow-wow to pick his replacement.
The scandal has triggered claims of Thaksin’s meddling, potentially breaching the Political Parties Act, and setting the stage for party disbandment. During the controversial August 14 meeting, party leaders, with Thaksin in the mix, mulled over PM options, finally settling on Chaikasem Nitisiri.
The Pheu Thai Party wasted no time, rallying an emergency session the next day to back Paetongtarn as their PM contender, culminating in her parliamentary triumph. When grilled on the EC’s inquiry, Paetongtarn, also Pheu Thai’s chief, exuded calm, dismissing the case as yesterday’s news.
Pheu Thai Deputy Prime Minister Chousak Sirinil, backed her stance, dismissing the chatter as stale gossip.
“The meeting on August 14 was above board.”
Chousak stressed the party acted with independence.
Legal action
Suggesting that the flood of flimsy complaints calls for a legal shake-up, Chousak hinted that a law overhaul is needed to curb baseless accusations and their disruptive power play. Yet, whether Pheu Thai will take legal action against their accusers hinges on the decisions of public watchdogs.
Meanwhile, Pheu Thai stalwart Phumtham Wechayachai maintained a cool demeanour, ready to roll with the punches but acknowledged the government is juggling multiple complaints just a month into office. He urged that these distractions not derail economic recovery efforts.
“The party will come out fighting, provided proceedings remain above the board,”
Echoing this, Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul affirmed his party’s autonomy, brushing off any claims of external influence.
Capping the whirlwind of political theatrics, an informal coalition dinner, hosted by the unflustered 38 year old Thai premier, saw leaders convene for the first time since her leadership ascension. The dinner was more than just a chinwag, with Paetongtarn hinting at discussions on mobile cabinet meetings, illustrating that despite the storm, her government sails steadily ahead.
Finally, law lecturer Prinya Thaewanarumitkul from Thammasat University weighed in, suggesting the EC must decide whether to launch a full-blown investigation or seek constitutional help to settle the matter. For now, all eyes remain on this unfolding political saga.
