Paetongtarn Won't Take Defence Minister Role, Declares Thaksin

[webfact]

FILE - Thailand's former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, left, with, his daughter Paetongtarn, arrives at Don Muang airport in Bangkok, Thailand, Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2023.(AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit, File)

 

Thaksin Shinawatra has ruled out the possibility of his daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, taking on the role of defence minister while serving as the newly-appointed Prime Minister of Thailand. This confirmation came today, putting to rest widespread speculation about her future role in the cabinet.

 

Paetongtarn, who is 38 years old, is currently the Pheu Thai Party leader. Thaksin emphasised that she would likely focus solely on her prime ministerial duties, drawing parallels with her aunt, Yingluck Shinawatra, who previously held both positions before being ousted in a coup in 2014. 

 

"It is overly burdensome to run the country and manage defence matters simultaneously," Thaksin explained. He suggested that the defence ministry role might go to another party within the coalition but refrained from naming any specific candidates. 

 

Talks have circled around Sutin Khlungsang, the current caretaker defence minister, but Thaksin was tight-lipped on any potential reshuffle involving him. Similarly, he avoided commenting on whether Nattapol Nakpanich, widely regarded as a protege of former Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, might step into the position. 

 

Thaksin also chose not to speculate on when Yingluck might return to Thailand. Earlier statements hinted that she could be back in time for the Songkran festival next April. However, any plans involving her return could complicate matters for Paetongtarn’s government, reported Thai Newsroom.

 

Given these nuances, Thaksin reassured that Paetongtarn’s focus would remain on national governance, dismissing any notion of her taking on dual responsibilities. “Managing the country will be demanding enough,” he said.

 

Ultimately, today's announcement aims to clarify the roles and expectations within the new Thai government, shaping the upcoming political landscape as Paetongtarn transitions into her new role without the added burden of defence ministerial duties.

 

-- 2024-08-21

 

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[JoePai]

What a farce 

[fondue zoo]

Thaksin 3.0 - We Ride Again!

 

We're back baby!  And no more pretending.  "She will be doing this and not doing that." 

[watchcat]

2 hours ago, webfact said:

Thaksin Shinawatra has ruled out the possibility of his daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, taking on the role of defence minister while serving as the newly-appointed Prime Minister of Thailand.

 

Why could'nt she told this to the reporters herself, she is suposed to be the PM, not her father?

[JimHuaHin]

Who is the real Prime Minister?

[Tropicalevo]

2 hours ago, watchcat said:

 

Why could'nt she told this to the reporters herself, she is suposed to be the PM, not her father?

Maybe because the reporters asked Thaksin and not the PM.

Was she even at the interview?

[watchcat]

4 minutes ago, Tropicalevo said:

Was she even at the interview?

 

That was my impression.

[watchcat]

2 hours ago, JimHuaHin said:

Who is the real Prime Minister?

 

The top guy we can't talk about.

[Gottfrid]

Daddy has spoken.

[TheFishman1]

This is so unbelievable reality of politics in Thailand TIT

[hotchilli]

7 hours ago, webfact said:

Thaksin Shinawatra has ruled out the possibility of his daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, taking on the role of defence minister while serving as the newly-appointed Prime Minister of Thailand. This confirmation came today, putting to rest widespread speculation about her future role in the cabinet.

Daddy said..... 

[hotchilli]

5 hours ago, JoePai said:

What a farce 

TiT

[hotchilli]

5 hours ago, JimHuaHin said:

Who is the real Prime Minister?

Thaksin... plain for all to see.

[khunjeff]

Convicted felon who isn't in the government says whaaaaaat? 🤔

[kingstonkid]

5 hours ago, JoePai said:

What a farce 

For someone who is not supposed to be in politics or involved with a political party sure sounds like thaksin is. Pm

 

I see another court case coming soon.  This one could remove and dispose PTP 

Edited August 21 by kingstonkid

[spidermike007]

The one thing that has always struck me as being very weird about politics in Thailand, is the possibility of a PM taking on an additional ministerial role, such as defense minister or finance minister. As if they don't have enough to deal with, as if defense minister or finance minister isn't important enough?

 

What on earth are they thinking? 

[bradiston]

Jeez, who's running this country? And look, no neck brace, no wheel chair, no problem. 2023 photo on his return.

[Rinato]

Mister T can blatantly direct policies in open sight because he knows he has nothing to fear

[Thingamabob]

43 minutes ago, Rinato said:

Mister T can blatantly direct policies in open sight because he knows he has nothing to fear

Not so sure about that. It could all end in tears.

[Srikcir]

9 hours ago, webfact said:

taking on the role of defence minister

I wonder if Prayut wants it. Would help with the next coup.

[flexomike]

So he is running the country now, imagine that

[Enoon]

 

Welcome back President Thaksin!

 

 

[SpaceKadet]

Thaksin? Isn't he supposed to stay out of politics as part of his parole? Could somebody maybe leave a complaint with CC and had him banned for life, please?

Is he now the official spokesman of the party?

[kidneyw]

Can't keep a good man down. Cough Cough!

[AustinRacing]

Unfortunately Thais deserve it. They allowed the elites to overturn the election results. If they prioritize their country’s future by doing something about it rather than occupying their lives with TikTok, soap operas, and working out lucky numbers, they may get somewhere. 

Edited August 21 by AustinRacing

[scorecard]

12 hours ago, Tropicalevo said:

Maybe because the reporters asked Thaksin and not the PM.

Was she even at the interview?

 

Even so, they are both supposedly intelligent strategic adults who would know when to bite their tongue and hold back comment for the next day or whatever or hold back comment so that the 'more appropriate party' makes the announcement.

 

It's obvious Thaksin is the boss and has no intention to play even a mild back seat driver role. 

[still kicking]

15 hours ago, JimHuaHin said:

Who is the real Prime Minister?

Not her.

[BayArea]

19 hours ago, webfact said:

Thaksin Shinawatra has ruled out the possibility of his daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, taking on the role of defence minister while serving as the newly-appointed Prime Minister of Thailand

There you go, the true leader of LOS has spoken. 😉

[SiamAndy]

Hopefully the military will exile Daddy and Daughter Shinawatra sometime in the not too distant future.

[Puccini]

19 hours ago, webfact said:

Thaksin Shinawatra has ruled out the possibility of his daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, taking on the role of defence minister while serving as the newly-appointed Prime Minister of Thailand.

 

Why does Thaksin not let his daughter speak for herself?

 

What does he hope to gain by showing off publicly that he is pulling the strings in the background and his daughter is merely the puppet Prime Minister?

 

Why does he make her lose face like that?