Srettha Thavisin, the property magnate-turned-prime ministerial nominee for the Pheu Thai Party, has galvanized his campaign with a staunch focus towards combating poverty and dispelling inequity in Thailand. Amid corruption allegations looming over his candidacy, he now embarks on a crucial week leading to a decisive confirmation vote set for next Tuesday.
The country waits with bated breath for the parliamentary proceedings this coming Tuesday that will settle if the affluent business figure would assume the premier’s role henceforth, marking the resolution of a continued three months’ political stalemate since the May 14 general elections.
As a veteran of the business world and former champion of the property giant Sansiri, 61-year-old Srettha pilots the multi-party coalition helmed by Pheu Thai Party. To his advantage, the reformist Move Forward Party (MFP), which amassed the majority of seats, saw its leader ousted from the prime ministerial position by conservative, pro-military entities.
In a sincere declaration on a Facebook Live, Srettha emphasised, “Again, I wish to affirm that my true adversities are poverty and inequality. The betterment of every Thai citizen’s life remains my highest priority.”
Amid the intensifying campaign, Srettha debunks the allegations of illegitimate transactions recently thrown at him by the anti-corruption whistleblower Chuvit Kamolvisit, a dramatic former Massage tycoon-turned-political activist.
“Ours is a transparent process and I stand here today to prove my innocence publicly and clarify the legitimacy of my actions,” he stated unflinchingly. “I categorically deny all the accusations made by Chuvit.”
After probing into two land purchases by Sansiri, listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), Mr Chuvit has requested a police investigation.
The Speaker of the House Wan Muhamad Noor Matha has confirmed that the premier assurance vote will proceed no later than 3 PM on the appointed Tuesday. To run the country, Srettha requires majority votes from both the 500-member lower house and the 250-member Senate, the latter being largely chosen by the previous military government.
Despite being the majority party, the MFP’s plans to revise Section 112, the infamous lese majeste law, and battle against corporate monopolies were toppled by opposition from the Senate, resulting in the thwarting of its leader Pita Limjaroenrat’s ambitions.
Even as the MFP takes a position in opposition, two parties from the incumbent military-funded government enter sharing power. It was recently announced that the United Thai Nation Party (UTN), helmed by outgoing Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, a former military leader who overthrew an elected Pheu Thai Government in 2014, will be included in the new coalition.
Along with UTN, the new government body will also comprise Bhumjaithai, another member of the outgoing administration. These developments have led to scrutiny regarding the novelty and authenticity of this new coalition when compared to its predecessor.
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