BANGKOK, Thailand – Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra arrived at Parliament, canceling her scheduled morning engagement at the Royal Thai Police headquarters, citing no urgent matters for discussion. Her visit coincided with the opposition’s submission of a no-confidence motion, which targets her as the sole focus. However, she clarified that her presence was planned well in advance, as early as the New Year, dismissing any notion that it was timed to the opposition’s actions.
When asked whether she expected to be the sole target of the motion, the prime minister said it was unsurprising, as it was the opposition’s right to do so. She confirmed that discussions on this matter had already taken place with coalition partners, and she was prepared to address all accusations. However, she noted that ministers overseeing specific areas would also provide responses where necessary.
Regarding accusations that she is merely a political proxy for former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, she firmly stated that she had done nothing illegal and was unbothered by any allegations. “As long as we adhere to the law, there is nothing to worry about,” she said, adding that she was ready to clarify every point raised by the opposition, though she could not guarantee whether they would be satisfied with her answers.
The no-confidence motion also questions her leadership abilities, integrity, and credibility on the international stage. In response, she emphasized the need to examine the facts, particularly regarding claims that foreign confidence in Thailand had diminished. Acknowledging her limited experience in parliamentary debates, she admitted that answering all the questions alone would be challenging and confirmed that a team of coalition members would assist her during the session.
On concerns that her coalition partners might abandon her amid the no-confidence debate, she reassured that they remained supportive. She revealed that she had already reached out for assistance, given that this was her first experience facing such scrutiny, and received positive responses from coalition leaders, which she found encouraging.
When asked about speculation that Thaksin Shinawatra himself was acting as her “guardian,” the prime minister laughed and dismissed the idea, stating that his role was purely advisory. “If he were to act as a protector, it wouldn’t be in answering questions in Parliament but rather in providing guidance as a father would,” she explained.
She also disclosed that Thaksin had called her early in the morning, but she had missed the call and had been unable to reach him when she returned it. Whether she would seek his advice regarding the debate remained to be seen, but she affirmed that she would certainly appreciate his encouragement.
When asked about rumors of a lunch meeting with Thaksin at Ban Phitsanulok later that day, the prime minister did not provide a direct response, leaving the speculation unanswered. (TNA)
