The newly formed coalition between the former opposition Democrat Party and the ruling Pheu Thai Party is set to boast a stronghold of 322 MPs within parliament. Caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, who stepped into the role after Srettha Thavisin’s dismissal by the Constitutional Court, emphasized the meticulous vetting process Pheu Thai is conducting to ensure each minister is aptly suited for their role.
“Pheu Thai is trying to ensure each cabinet minister is a good fit,” Phumtham stated, embodying the careful deliberation behind every decision. “The cabinet line-up is almost finalised. After it is royally endorsed, it will get straight to work.”
Prommin Lertsuridej, the Prime Minister’s secretary-general, confirmed that the new cabinet majority is set, particularly after the Democrats joined the coalition. With the support of 141 MPs from Pheu Thai, 70 from the Bhumjaithai Party, 36 from the United Thai Nation Party, 25 Democrats, 10 from the Charthaipattana Party, three from Chart Pattana, and 21 from Capt. Thamanat Prompow’s faction within the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), the government is well fortified.
Despite the Democrats crossing the political floor to form this alliance, intense opposition echoed from veteran politicians and party stalwarts, including former leaders Chuan Leekpai, Banyat Bantadtan, and Jurin Laksanawisit. Their staunch resistance to any coalition with Pheu Thai became a talking point, stirring the political pot.
Prominent Democrat executives revealed on Thursday night their party’s plans to nominate leader Chalermchai Sri-on as the natural resources and environment minister and Det-it Khaothong, the secretary-general, as a deputy public health minister.
Meanwhile, the PPRP appears divided into two distinct factions. One led by Gen Prawit Wongsuwon and the other by the party’s secretary-general, Capt Thamanat Prompow, who is also the caretaker agriculture minister. Capt Thamanat boldly declared his severance from Gen Prawit, whom he once revered. Still, he maintained that he and his faction would remain within the party unless forced out. In such an event, their MP status would allow for an easy transition to another political group.
The ruling Pheu Thai party’s decision to sideline the PPRP seemingly targeted Gen Prawit’s faction, while keeping doors open for Capt Thamanat’s group. This tactic suggests a strategic attempt to balance alliances while ensuring key individuals remain influential in the cabinet.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra addressed Pheu Thai’s strategic alliance with the Democrats, noting that the inclusion was driven by the need for a stable and effective government majority in parliament. “We need a stable government. We need enough support in parliament to push for the passage of laws to address people’s problems. The Democrats’ backing will help us achieve that,” she stated.
She acknowledged the grief and potential dissent from red-shirt supporters, given the Democrats’ contentious history with Pheu Thai. “I have empathy with the red shirts. But I promised to be a prime minister who serves all Thais,” Paetongtarn asserted.
Reflecting on the turbulent political history, one cannot forget the 2010 conflict when then-Democrat Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva ordered police action to reclaim Ratchaprasong intersection. Pheu Thai-backed red-shirt protesters clashed with law enforcement resulting in 85 tragic deaths. Paetongtarn’s leadership, amidst such historical tensions, pledges a future-focused commitment to unity and progress.
As the nation watches closely, the new cabinet’s formation signals not just a political shift but a transformative chapter in Thailand’s leadership narrative.
Paetongtarn becoming the youngest PM is a huge milestone for Thailand! But let’s not forget that being young doesn’t necessarily mean being experienced.
Yeah, but sometimes fresh blood is what we need to shake things up! Experience can also mean being stuck in old ways.
True, but there’s a lot at stake here. A lack of experience could lead to grave mistakes.
Paetongtarn has been groomed for this role for years. Politics in Thailand isn’t exactly a meritocracy anyway.
Groomed doesn’t mean she knows what she’s doing in the real political battlefield. We’ll see how long grooming lasts when it’s crunch time.
I’m skeptical about the coalition with the Democrats given their history. Can they really work together for the good of the nation?
It’s politics, everyone is in it for themselves. They’ll work together as long as it benefits them individually.
Agreed, Lisa. The Democrats and Pheu Thai have too much bad blood. This coalition is bound to fall apart sooner or later.
Absolutely, Chang. It’s like mixing oil and water. Dysfunction in parliament is the last thing we need right now.
Capt Thamanat breaking away from Gen Prawit might be a blessing in disguise for the PPRP. It’s high time they cleaned house.
You’re right, Thida. Gen Prawit’s influence has been waning. Fresh leadership could bring new momentum.
But we should be careful what we wish for. Divisions in PPRP could weaken their standing entirely.
Valid point, gogetter87. A fractured party could be preyed upon by rivals. They need to tread wisely.
A stable government is crucial, but how can we trust the Democrats given their betrayal in the past? Just look at what happened in 2010.
Right! It’s hard to forget the red-shirt massacre. The Democrats have blood on their hands.
Exactly, Ratana. Aligning with them sends a really mixed message to Thai people.
Remembering history is important, but should it hinder progress? If they can collaborate effectively now, it might just work.
Given the current political climate, I wonder if this new cabinet will last. Coalitions can be fragile.
It feels like Pheu Thai is just trying to cling to power by any means necessary, even if it means alliances with enemies.
You’re harsh, Nok. Maybe they’re doing what’s necessary for stability. We need laws passed, and this coalition might get it done.
I’m excited to see how Paetongtarn’s leadership style will be different from past PMs. Could she bring a breath of fresh air?
As long as she isn’t just a puppet for the Shinawatra family, maybe she could.
Strategically sidelining PPRP while keeping Capt Thamanat’s group might be smart. It divides and conquers their enemies.
It’s just typical dirty politics. You win by making the least enemies.
It’s interesting to see how historical grievances like the 2010 crackdown still influence current politics. Can we move past it?
Not without justice. Those responsible need to be held accountable first.
You’re right, Thongchai. Accountability is crucial before we can heal.
A lot of promises are being made. Will they be kept? Politics is mostly talk.
Promises get votes, but accountability keeps them. We need to hold them to their words.