Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra asserted on Monday that government unity remains intact.
Rumors of an internal rift within the government surfaced following a golf outing in Pathum Thani involving former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul. The event was interpreted as a chance for Thaksin, viewed as the informal leader of the ruling Pheu Thai Party, and Anutin to address lingering issues.
Paetongtarn emphasized that her father and Anutin have maintained a friendship for over twenty years, making their golf game a normal occurrence. She further reaffirmed that dialogue among coalition parties is consistent and ongoing.
When questioned if the golf game was to quell concerns about Bhumjaithai possibly exiting the government, she responded, “Could it? There’s really nothing.”
In a statement on Monday, Anutin clarified that their meeting was limited to golf discussions and not focused on current political dynamics. He noted he had no inclination to inquire about Thaksin’s recent comments criticizing coalition parties for their absence at a key cabinet meeting on December 11. At a recent Pheu Thai seminar, Thaksin criticized certain ministers for their lack of attendance, labeling such behavior as “sneaky” and suggesting those who miss future meetings might consider departing from the Pheu Thai-led coalition.
Anutin explained he had a prior heart doctor appointment on that date but made efforts to attend the meeting afterward upon the urging of the prime minister’s secretary-general.
Meanwhile, Thaksin, speaking from Chiang Mai on Monday, revealed he was invited to play golf by Sarath Ratanavadi, CEO of Gulf Energy Development Plc. He clarified that the golf outing was intended to be apolitical, with Anutin joining simply as a long-standing friend of Sarath.
“There were no politicians, but it became a political issue when the media saw the photo [of them playing golf],” he stated.
Pita Limjaroenrat, former leader of the now-dissolved Move Forward Party, questioned if there was a deeper motive behind the publication of their golf photo, which appeared to be captured on a mobile device.
