In a whirlwind of flashing cameras and probing questions, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra found herself at the epicenter of a press storm today. Fresh from a lively Cabinet lunch, she faced a flurry of inquiries about her father, the infamous former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, whose recent comments have left many raising their eyebrows and their voices. Thaksin’s remarks, delivered with his characteristic fervor at a rally in Chiang Rai on January 6, have been branded by some as racially charged and inflammatory.
As the cameras rolled and microphones were thrust forward, Paetongtarn, seemingly caught off guard, responded with a note of surprise, “Oh, did he really discriminate?” Before the journalists could pounce further, she launched into a spirited defense of her father’s intentions, suggesting his comments were meant to inspire confidence rather than incite division.
“He talked about embracing natural beauty and creating opportunities without the need for plastic surgery. It’s about encouraging people to be proud of who they are,” she asserted, her voice resolute amidst the chatter. The 38-year-old leader skilfully steered the conversation to highlight Thaksin’s belief in the unique charm of all nationalities, insisting that his words held no malicious intent. “Koreans, Japanese, Thais, we all have our own charm,” she said, underscoring a message of unity and mutual respect.
The situation took an intriguing turn when questions arose about possible repercussions for Thaksin. The Prime Minister, with a wave of her hand, dismissed calls for an official reprimand, noting that private discussions had already smoothed out any misunderstandings, as reported by Amarin TV.
A change of pace brought another personal revelation as Paetongtarn shared a heartfelt anecdote. Her young son was battling a tricky foe, influenza A, a virus that she herself had only recently bested. With a sharp rise in cases nationwide, the health-conscious PM urged everyone to get vaccinated to mitigate the severity of any cold-related symptoms.
Meanwhile, Thaksin’s controversial comments—delivered with characteristic bravado in front of his home crowd in Chiang Rai—were not easily forgotten. As he navigated the political waters in support of the Pheu Thai Party and its candidate, Salakjitch Tiyapairat, the ex-PM’s words took a turn that many deemed disparaging. He touched upon the potential for Thai citizens to shine in the global entertainment industry, but his attempt to inspire took a detour with an ill-received comparison involving international models and Thai nationals.
“African people, who have black skin and flat noses, were hired for millions of baht to be models,” he remarked, before juxtaposing their features with those of Thai citizens, likening it to an unnecessary need for cosmetic surgery. It was a statement that ignited sparks far beyond his usual rhetorical flair and led to a significant public backlash.
If the racially insensitive remarks weren’t enough, Thaksin’s subsequent comments aimed at government critics, offering them ropes for their existential despair, further fueled the controversy. Despite holding no official role in the current government or the Pheu Thai Party, his influence remains substantial, almost as if his political shadow looms over the current administration.
In a lighter, almost satirical vein, the Thai media has taken to assigning tongue-in-cheek nicknames to political figures. For the government helmed by Paetongtarn, the label “Government Pampered by Dad” suggests Thaksin’s substantial backstage influence, while her propensity to rely on her trusty tablet during high-stakes meetings has earned her the moniker “Paetongphoy,” with “phoy” hinting at scripted dependency.
In the face of such challenges, both personal and political, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra continues to navigate her leadership journey with poise, advocating for vaccination, rallying against misunderstanding, and undoubtedly preparing for whatever media flares tomorrow might bring. As for Thaksin, well, his words continue to ripple across Thailand, a testament to his enduring influence and the provocative power of speech.
I can’t believe Paetongtarn is defending her father’s controversial remarks. It’s like she’s justifying discrimination!
I think you’re missing the point. He was encouraging pride in natural beauty, not promoting racism.
Encouraging natural beauty shouldn’t involve derogatory comparisons though, don’t you think?
Even if she didn’t mean to defend racial insensitivity, her defense looks like she’s protecting family over accountability.
It’s always fascinating how the Thai media exaggerates things. Was Thaksin really that offensive?
Unfortunately, yes. His comments were quite insensitive, especially comparing features.
I’m not sure exaggeration is the issue here. It’s more about not reading the room and the global sensitivity on such topics.
Perhaps, but media bias can often magnify issues disproportionately. Context matters.
The political culture in Thailand is just absurd to me. How can one person have so much power without being in office?
It’s the legacy and influence. Thaksin built a network that still wields serious power.
Thaksin’s speeches are known for being provoking, but sometimes I think this is blown out of proportion for clicks.
Shouldn’t leaders be more careful with their words, especially in a diverse country? This incident shows a lack of foresight.
Agreed, leaders have a huge responsibility in guiding people and avoiding dividing them.
I think Paetongtarn did a decent job addressing the press, she kept things professional and steered the topic towards her son’s illness too.
Deflecting with personal stories is not professional, it’s avoiding the main issue.
I’m with Larry. It’s a typical tactic but doesn’t solve the core problem.
People are just too sensitive these days. A comment shouldn’t have the power to cause such an uproar.
It’s about respect and acknowledging historical sensitivities. Words can be powerful weapons.
This makes me wonder if there will ever be a time when such racial comments don’t make headlines. Society seems stuck.
Every time Thaksin opens his mouth, it’s like he’s writing another chapter in Thailand’s political drama book. Fascinating!
It’s not just drama; it’s the real lives of people that get affected by such rhetoric.
I find it ridiculous that she’s not seeing the problem in her dad’s comments. It sounds so tone-deaf.
She’s in a tough spot, balancing her familial ties and her role as a leader.
How is Paetongtarn going to maintain credibility when she can’t justly address these controversies? It reflects poorly on her leadership.
What about the metaphor of handing ropes to critics? Isn’t that indirectly threatening?
That’s a classic play of intimidation, keeping critics in check through fear and rhetoric.
Thaksin certainly knows how to stay relevant by stirring public debate, if nothing else. It’s strategic chaos.