Power play: Thailand’s coalition leaders unite over dinner

Emerging from a high-profile dinner meeting at the Nai Lert Park Heritage Home, Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavasin confidently asserted that the coalition now commands the unwavering support of over 314 MPs.

The informal dinner, attended by core leaders of the 11 coalition parties, underscored the unity among the partners.

The 62-year-old Thai premier highlighted the solidarity within the coalition.

“We are united and close, and nobody will break the ranks even if there is tension sometimes due to work.”

Agriculture Minister Thamanat Prompow, the Secretary-General of the dinner host Palang Pracharath Party, revealed that 20 additional micro-parties have joined forces with the coalition.

“Bhumjaithai and Palang Pracharath are taking care of many of these micro-parties.”

This marks the third such gathering since the government was formed, following previous meet-ups organised by Pheu Thai and Bhumjaithai. Notably absent were Palang Pracharath leader General Prawit Wongsuwan and his brother, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Patcharawat Wongsuwan, both citing health reasons.

Key figures from Palang Pracharath included Deputy Public Health Minister Santi Promphat and Deputy Agriculture Minister Atthakorn Sirilatthayakorn. Representing Pheu Thai were PM Srettha and party leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra, along with other prominent members such as Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira.

Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul led the Bhumjaithai delegation, joined by Party Secretary-General Chaichanok Chidchob and Deputy Leader Paradorn Prissanananthakul. Core members of the United Thai Nation Party, including Industry Minister Pimphattra Wichaikul, also attended, although UTNP leader Pirapan Salirathavibhaga was abroad.

Chart Thai Pattana Party leader Varawut Silpa-archa brought his team, including Party Secretary-General Praphat Phothasuthon and Party Director Nikorn Chammong. Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong from the Prachachart Party and Suwat Liptapanlop, chief adviser of Chart Pattana Party, were also present.

After the event, Anutin addressed the press, stating that the issue of returning marijuana to the list of controlled narcotics was not discussed, reported The Nation.

“We only talked about the government’s security and what can be done for the best interest of the people.”