Thai PM Urged to Attend Senate Meetings or Face Potential Censure

[webfact]

Picture courtesy: National News BUreau of Thailand

 

In a developing political situation, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been advised by members of the Senate to attend their meetings regularly, as continued absences could lead to a censure debate. The senators have expressed frustration over the PM’s tendency to bypass inquiries by not appearing in person nor delegating a representative from her cabinet to respond on her behalf.

 

Senator Premsak Piayura, in a press conference alongside colleague Seranee Anilbon, laid bare the growing impatience within the Senate. He pointed out that there were three interpellations slated for discussion that particular day, all necessitating verbal responses, yet the Prime Minister was conspicuously absent.

 

One of the pressing issues awaiting response involves Dr. Boon Vanasin, the erstwhile chairman and founder of Thonburi Healthcare Group. Dr. Boon is currently embroiled in a scandal, facing charges of embezzlement and money laundering, having allegedly defrauded investors of a staggering 20 billion baht (equivalent to approximately 26 billion Thai Baht).

 

Dr. Boon’s flight overseas has added urgency to the matter, with the Senate keen on understanding the government's position and actions regarding his extradition and the safeguarding of affected investments.

Senator Premsak signalled that the Senate is considering sending an urgent reminder to the Prime Minister, emphasising her duty to respond to their inquiries. However, the senator also hinted at an alternative approach, suggesting that the Senate might reach out to the “spiritual leader” of the Pheu Thai party for guidance, a thinly veiled reference to former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

 

In a direct appeal, Premsak urged Prime Minister Paetongtarn to prioritise attending Senate meetings over public appearances focused on promoting her government's accomplishments during its initial months in office.

 

He remarked that such events allow her to deliver speeches and announcements without the challenge of fielding difficult questions, suggesting a preference for controlled environments over open scrutiny.

 

The senators’ call serves as a potent reminder of the political accountability expected from Thailand’s leadership. It highlights the tensions between legislature and executive, emphasising the need for transparency and dialogue at the highest levels of government.

 

As the situation unfolds, all eyes will be on Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to see how she responds to this burgeoning issue within her nascent administration, reported Thai PBS.

 

-- 2024-12-17

 

 

[JoePai]

She has to ask permission from Papa before she can attend

[phetphet]

Oh Daddy! What should I do? 

[lordgrinz]

Can she send Daddy as a "Representative from her Cabinet"?

[bamnutsak]

Failing to attend meetings where she might be challenged only makes her look weaker.

 

Nepotism isn't a good look.

 

 

[ikke1959]

Daddy will take the honors for her... She is too busy with her baby and feel protected by the party and daddy

[hotchilli]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

The senators have expressed frustration over the PM’s tendency to bypass inquiries by not appearing in person nor delegating a representative from her cabinet to respond on her behalf.

Daddy will send sick notes in the future... he has a friendly doctor in his ass pocket who can supply them.

[crazykopite]

Only if papa can be at her side as advisor 

[Scott Tracy]

The senate? Appointed not elected? Sounds like someone is about to throw their toys out of the pram. As diddums.

[klauskunkel]

Quote

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been advised by members of the Senate to attend their meetings regularly, as continued absences could lead to a censure debate.

The Thai Senate, famous for its own spotless attendance record, is retaliating:

Thaksin has strongly criticized members of the coalition government for their failure to attend a recent cabinet meeting.

Sources suggest the missing ministers included Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, leader of the United Thai Nation Party.

  

[Karma80]

Maybe Dad doesn't have the time to write the extra speeches for her.

[thesetat]

I do not understand why he does not buy her one of those sophisticated earplug devices where he can listen in and tell her what to say when so she can attend those meetings with confidence? 

 

[BayArea]

16 hours ago, webfact said:

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been advised by members of the Senate to attend their meetings regularly, as continued absences could lead to a censure debate

the fact that this is mentioned sums up Thai politics and the Shinwatras in a nutshell.