The conclusion of 2024 left many scratching their heads, contemplating the effectiveness of the government after more than 100 days in office. The Paetongtarn Shinawatra administration, composed of 35 members, was inaugurated on September 4, 2023, following the King’s endorsement. This government marks the second administration led by the Pheu Thai Party since the 2023 general election.
This government followed the dismissal of Srettha Thavisin’s cabinet after the Constitutional Court found him guilty of a serious ethical breach for appointing ex-convict Pichit Chuenban as a cabinet minister. Paetongtarn emerged as one of two potential prime ministerial candidates from the Pheu Thai Party. Initially, Chaikasem Nitisiri, a former attorney general, seemed like a more promising candidate to be presented to parliament. However, within a day, Chaikasem’s candidacy was dismissed after an internal Pheu Thai meeting, with Paetongtarn, the young daughter of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, chosen to step into the role.
Paetongtarn’s ascent was seemingly untroubled. Even coalition parties, mainly from the former Srettha-supporting conservative camp, backed her government. Despite skepticism from critics regarding the young, ostensibly inexperienced prime minister’s prowess in leading state affairs, her government was put through the wringer almost immediately. No honeymoon period was granted. Right on the heels of its formation, the government faced significant challenges as devastating floods wreaked havoc in the far North.
Chiang Rai bore the brunt of the disaster, and the timing could not have been worse for Paetongtarn. Even though parliament elected her as prime minister on August 16, she avoided immediate trips to the floodzones, citing the lack of formal royal endorsement as reasoning. Political opponents were quick to question the efficacy of the government’s emergency response, lamenting a “leadership vacuum” during a critical period that necessitated the rerouting and deployment of significant national resources.
The administration’s savior emerged in September in the form of a modified version of Pheu Thai’s digital wallet scheme. Rather than distributing digital currency, they opted to give 10,000 baht to vulnerable and disabled state welfare cardholders. Despite criticism for abandoning digital platform payments, and accusations of turning a stimulus initiative into pure welfare, the Finance Ministry reported that 3 million of the intended 14.5 million beneficiaries received their funds on September 4 via the PromptPay system. Critics questioned the government’s integrity in backtracking on the digital handout promise and claimed its welfare initiative was indebted to its predecessor’s blueprint.
Come December, the government was eager to publicize its accomplishments, with Paetongtarn presenting what should have been a summary of the administration’s successes by its 90th day in office on December 12. However, the speech left people bewildered, with achievements notably scarce, overshadowed by future promises and plans for the upcoming year. Observers likened it to a campaign speech with fresh promises lining up again for fulfillment.
Paetongtarn openly recounted the initial ninety days as a period of acclimatization to the demands of premiership, focusing on understanding people’s needs. Highlighting tangible opportunities and policy-driven achievements for the year, her speech further suggested innovative flood management through law amendments permitting waterway dredging, offering the soil as a supplemental income for households. “This year will be a year of opportunities for the people,” she declared.
Commitments to tackling PM2.5 pollution, enhancing local craft beer production freedom, reviving the one-district-one-scholarship initiative, launching affordable housing projects, and promoting a flat-rate 20-baht fare on electric trains were among the government’s ambitious agenda.
Questions loomed about the cabinet’s unity, particularly around the Energy portfolio, notably coveted by influential players within Pheu Thai. Rumors swirled around Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga facing removal in a cabinet shuffle until former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, acting as Pheu Thai’s de-facto leader, intervened, likely stabilizing Pirapan’s position.
Analysts interpreted Thaksin’s comments about lowering household electricity costs and dismantling monopolies as a promise of job security for Pirapan, thus safeguarding the United Thai Nation Party (UTN) from the fate that befell the fractured Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) and the Democrat Party. Paetongtarn’s cabinet reshuffle saw PPRP members, under Thamanat Prompow, drastically realign, abandoning Gen Prawit’s faltering coalition for the Kla Dharma Party, following strategic expulsions over escalating tensions.
The Democrat engagement in Paetongtarn’s coalition, having filled PPRP’s void, was contentious, polarizing members uncomfortable with the partnership due to ideological disparities.
Political analyst Thanaporn Sriyakul predicted a different trajectory for UTN compared to PPRP and Democrat downturns, despite Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha retiring, pointing to deterrence against defection on account of established factions within other parties. UTN, under Pirapan, Akanat Prompan (secretary-general), and Suchart Chomklin, deputy commerce minister, currently manage crucial economic ministries providing leverage to fulfill policy promises.
Thanaporn suggested that the UTN would swivel around Gen Prayut’s legacy as elections approach, portraying itself as a steward of his vision to maintain voter confidence. While some UTN MPs might explore joining other political factions, Thanaporn believes the party’s outlook isn’t as bleak as perceived, especially given its hold over the Energy and Industry ministries.
Confidence remains that with strategic shifts, UTN can cultivate new backers ahead of the next polls, projecting resilience despite facing financial and political pressures.
Paetongtarn as a leader is in over her head. She hasn’t shown the capability to handle a crisis. The floods should have been her top priority!
That’s a bit harsh. All new leaders have a learning curve. It’s her right to wait for formalities before acting.
But emergencies don’t wait for formalities. Leaders are meant to step up in crunch time.
Joe, you’re totally disregarding the internal political turmoil she inherited. That sets a leader back.
The digital wallet backtrack was a major policy failure. It feels like they’re just throwing money at problems without strategy.
The money went to those in need. Maybe digital wallets were unrealistic given the country’s current infrastructure.
Exactly, Tommy. Tech solutions can’t be forced down people’s throats where connectivity is poor.
But it’s about integrity, sticking to what was promised. How can people trust them otherwise?
The cabinet reshuffle was necessary. Power struggles within parties often cripple governments. At least Paetongtarn is trying to keep things stable.
Flood management plans sound innovative. Using dredged soil for income is promising if executed well.
Thaksin’s shadow still looms over Thai politics. His influence makes one wonder who’s truly in control.
Isn’t it ironic that despite the criticism of digital handouts, the welfare handouts are still popular? People are hypocrites.
Welfare is different from tech-based handouts. It deals directly with immediate need, Betty.
Paetongtarn’s attempt to bring new policies like enhancing craft beer doesn’t erase the fact she’s out of her depth.
Hey, every little policy matters, even beer! That industry needs freedom.
I’m cautiously optimistic about her policies on electricity and transport. Flat-rate fares can help reduce urban inequality.
Anyone questioning UTN’s staying power needs to see how well Pirapan is playing his cards. These guys are tacticians.
Is it just me, or does every government procedurally blame the previous one? Paetongtarn isn’t different in that.
Sure, but shouldn’t a new government build instead of tear down the previous? That’s a true test of leadership.
Constructive criticism is one thing, but it’s politics. They live off criticizing predecessors.
I feel like a lot of these issues are deeply rooted in Thailand’s complex political history. It’s not just on one person.
The real question is if UTN can actually maintain voter confidence without Prayut. Leadership change could tip the balance.
Her focus on climate and pollution controls should be commended. These issues matter globally.
Not sure if that’s enough to distract from the cabinet’s internal chaos. They may not last long.
True, but who would take over? The opposition is worse.
Flood management through law changes is only talk until we see action. I’ll believe when it happens.
Given the history of Thai coalitions, Democrats aligning with Pheu Thai seems like an odd pairing too.
I want to see how they handle economic pressures. Budgets are the rock that breaks every leadership.
Does the article mention how the international community is viewing this leadership? Often an overlooked angle.
Anyone else concerned about how energy monopolies are being addressed? Key to the economy, but rarely discussed openly.
They can’ talk about everything at once, Sara. It’s a balancing act.
Paetongtarn might just surprise everyone. She’s new blood, maybe what Thai politics needs.
Climate issues like PM2.5 pollution need real action. Speeches won’t clear air.
After everything, credit where credit is due – she has shown resilience. A trait not often found in new leaders.