PM's Move to Appoint Ex-Deputy PM Wissanu Sparks Pheu Thai Unease

[webfact]

 

Thailand's Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has declared his readiness to explain his decision to appoint former Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam as an advisor to the Pheu Thai party members. This appointment has stirred unease among MPs who see it as bypassing the party’s own legal experts.

 

Wissanu served as Deputy Prime Minister in the administration of former Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha for nearly eight years. His new advisory role, however, does not come with an official position, salary, or formal asset declaration. Nonetheless, his involvement has reportedly caused some discontent among Pheu Thai MPs.

 

The disquiet comes amid a separate controversy involving Phichit Chuenban, whom Prime Minister Srettha appointed as PM Office Minister despite Phichit’s tainted record. Facing charges by a group of 40 senators, Srettha enlisted Wissanu to help prepare a rebuttal statement for the Constitutional Court. Phichit has since resigned.

 

Prime Minister Srettha assured that his absence from Pheu Thai party meetings was not to avoid confronting his critics over the Wissanu appointment. He promised to address the MPs' concerns once parliament reconvenes after the long recess, underscoring the importance of explaining his decisions to foster party unity.

 

Srettha personally approached Wissanu, initially offering him a deputy prime minister position. Wissanu declined but agreed to be an unpaid advisor, willing to provide his legal expertise.

 

Yesterday, Pheu Thai leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra sought to mitigate the MPs' unrest during a party meeting. She highlighted Wissanu's prior work with the Thai Rak Thai-led government and described him as a person of high capability with sincere intentions. Paetongtarn asked party members to view Wissanu's appointment positively, stressing the need for solidarity and cooperation to move forward.

 

She cautioned that instability within the prime minister’s position would affect coalition parties and parliament, underscoring the necessity for unity to ensure governmental stability.

 

Picture courtesy: Prachachat

 

-- 2024-06-06

 

Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

[Pouatchee]

it is not sreta acting on his own... it is sreta following taxsin's orders. surely taxsin is setting sreta up for a fall so he can tighten his grip on the party. but... in the news today 44% of thais are highly happy with the gvt so far. after all when did polls ever mislead, right?

[Geoffggi]

54 minutes ago, webfact said:

Wissanu declined but agreed to be an unpaid advisor, willing to provide his legal expertise.

Of course he did ...................LOL

[thesetat2013]

this seems to be slight of hand trick. They invite someone who Phue Thai will reject knowing the man will refuse. So the next one he asks will be Phue Thai and he of course will accept. At least that is my perspective on this

 

[hotchilli]

7 hours ago, webfact said:

Thailand's Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has declared his readiness to explain his decision to appoint former Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam as an advisor to the Pheu Thai party members. This appointment has stirred unease among MPs who see it as bypassing the party’s own legal experts.

He really doesn't have much luck when appointing positions.

[hotchilli]

7 hours ago, webfact said:

Yesterday, Pheu Thai leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra sought to mitigate the MPs' unrest during a party meeting. She highlighted Wissanu's prior work with the Thai Rak Thai-led government and described him as a person of high capability with sincere intentions. Paetongtarn asked party members to view Wissanu's appointment positively, stressing the need for solidarity and cooperation to move forward.

Daddy say's get in line.

[hotchilli]

6 hours ago, Pouatchee said:

it is not sreta acting on his own... it is sreta following taxsin's orders. surely taxsin is setting sreta up for a fall so he can tighten his grip on the party. but... in the news today 44% of thais are highly happy with the gvt so far. after all when did polls ever mislead, right?

Srettha and Thaksin... at least get the names correct

[digger70]

4 hours ago, hotchilli said:

Srettha and Thaksin... at least get the names correct

The Puppet and The Master Puppeteer.

Edited June 6 by digger70