Paetongtarn Assures Coalition Resilience Following Censure Debate
PUBLISHED: 26 Mar 2025 at 20:58
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra affirmed that a cabinet reshuffle is off the table after she confidently navigated a no-confidence vote, which passed with significant backing from lawmakers on Wednesday.
Following the vote, which ended 319 in favor to 162 against with seven abstentions, she indicated no immediate plans for cabinet changes.
In response to inquiries about potentially taking advice from her father, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, regarding a cabinet shake-up driven by coalition parties, she expressed readiness to consider suggestions.
Prior to the censure debate, she reassured Thaksin that a cabinet reshuffle was not forthcoming, to which he reportedly responded, “That’s okay.”
The Prime Minister emphasized that the coalition government is operating effectively, stating that supplementary documents would be shared on social media to elucidate the points made during the censure debate.
Opposition leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut indicated that the information brought forth in the censure debate would lead to requests for investigations by entities such as the National Anti-Corruption Commission.
“We anticipate that the information presented will encourage the prime minister’s family to fulfill their tax obligations appropriately,” he stated.
The censure debate, which took place over Monday and Tuesday, saw Mr. Natthaphong opening with accusations against the prime minister regarding governance capabilities, tax evasion allegations, and her father’s political influence.
It was mutually agreed that Thaksin’s name would not be invoked, leading to multiple references to “a family member” and “an outsider” during discussions.
Opposition MPs criticized the Paetongtarn administration for not adequately addressing pressing issues, such as rising electricity costs and low agricultural prices, while continuing its costly cash assistance program despite warnings that it may fail to invigorate the economy.
They also referenced instances where the Prime Minister provided what they deemed irrelevant or incorrect answers to media inquiries, including her statement that a strong baht would be advantageous for Thai exports, and accused her of sidestepping critical economic discussions.
Additionally, opposition MPs claimed that the coalition government was improperly influenced by “he who must not be named,” and questioned whether the Prime Minister had misled the public regarding her father’s health status.
Thaksin had been reported as seriously ill, prompting his transfer to a private ward at Police General Hospital rather than serving his sentence in prison. Concerns were raised regarding the family’s property holdings, including the Alpine golf resort in Pathum Thani and a luxury resort at Khao Yai.
