BANGKOK, Thailand – Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra responded to opposition claims during the no-confidence debate, firmly rejecting allegations of a secret “deal to trade the country.” She questioned, “What does the Shinawatra family gain from this supposed deal?” and urged critics to avoid making emotional accusations centered around her father, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
When asked if she could endure the two-day, two-night debate, Paetongtarn joked that she might need an energy drink to stay alert. Regarding reports that the first night’s session would extend until 5:30 AM, she laughed and admitted she wouldn’t last that long, saying, “I’ll need to rest because there’s still another day. We’ll take turns.”
In response to opposition MP Sirikanya Tansakun’s remark that the Prime Minister wouldn’t make it through the night, Paetongtarn candidly agreed, “That’s true. I won’t be there the whole time.”
When questioned about the opposition’s decision to remove Thaksin’s name from the censure motion, she stated that he had no reaction to it, adding, “He didn’t say anything. I simply respond to what’s asked.”
Regarding allegations that her government had engaged in a “deal to trade the country,” the Prime Minister reacted with disbelief, exclaiming “Oh wow! What exactly is our country being exchanged for?” She then firmly dismissed the claim, asserting, “There’s no such thing. Who would trade their own country? Think logically—would anyone trade something valuable that belongs to them? No one in this position would do that. But fine, if they want to create a dramatic theme to make it more entertaining, let them.”
Challenging the opposition’s assertion that the Shinawatra family had gained benefits at the expense of the nation, Paetongtarn responded sharply, “And what exactly has the Shinawatra family gained?”
When a reporter mentioned Thaksin’s return, the Prime Minister responded firmly with a serious tone and expression, stating, “I got my father back. Oh, this is the only issue, forever.”
During this exchange, the reporter attempted to ask whether there was a deal for former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to return as well. However, the Prime Minister did not hear the question and continued addressing the previous one, saying, “That’s not the case. If everything is considered a deal, then nothing makes sense. We must use reason, not just emotions.”
When asked whether all coalition parties would fully support the government, the Prime Minister stated that discussions within the coalition had taken place and that they were committed to supporting each other. However, she added, “Whether the votes are complete or not will have to be seen on the day, depending on the situation. But in reality, there shouldn’t be any problems.”
