Thaksin’s Words Not Policy-Binding, Says PM Paetongtarn

[webfact]

Picture courtesy: National News Bureau of Thailand

 

In a recent statement, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra clarified that remarks made by her father, Thaksin Shinawatra, regarding government policies may not necessarily translate into action.

 

Addressing reporters at Government House, Paetongtarn emphasised that while her father, a former prime minister, is entitled to express his views openly, his statements should not be misconstrued as official government directives.

 

Paetongtarn underscored that all government policies require formal approval from her cabinet before implementation. Her comments seem aimed at dispelling rumours that the Pheu Thai-led coalition government will directly adopt Thaksin's personal perspectives, particularly on topics like energy management and electricity pricing, to ease economic difficulties faced by citizens.

 

During a recent political rally, Thaksin had suggested that electricity prices could be reduced to 3.70 THB per unit. The current rate stands at 4.42 THB per unit, and Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga previously proposed a decrease to 4.15 THB per unit. Paetongtarn's current stance hints that her administration is evaluating these proposals independently of her father's past suggestions.

 

Paetongtarn also addressed speculation about an impending cabinet reshuffle, asserting that she has no immediate plans to alter her cabinet makeup, despite persistent rumours. Such speculation has been fuelled by expectations of changes post the upcoming censure debate in March.

Particularly under scrutiny is Energy Minister Pirapan, who leads the Ruam Thai Sang Chart and might face ousting or reassignment. This speculation arises due to perceived alignment between Thaksin’s party, Pheu Thai, and major energy stakeholders, potentially conflicting with Pirapan's stance on energy policy reform.

 

Questions about Thaksin's influence on energy policy concern his associations with industry leaders like Gulf Energy Development CEO Sarath Ratanavadi and PTT CEO Kongkrapan Intarajang. These relationships have led to conjectures about the government prioritising energy moguls’ interests over the minister's directives.

 

Despite her familial ties, Paetongtarn distinguishes herself from her father's administration, indicating a potential shift in policy-making processes. Her leadership style and strategic partnerships within the cabinet seem set on charting a distinct course from previous Shinawatra-led administrations.

 

As the political landscape continues to evolve, Paetongtarn maintains her focus on steering the government through its agenda, ensuring that policy actions are derived from collective cabinet deliberations rather than external influences, familial or otherwise.

 

This stance is likely aimed at reassuring both domestic and international audiences of the integrity and independence of her administration’s decision-making processes. reported Thai Newsroom

 

-- 2025-01-07

 

 

[OneMoreFarang]

Maybe she should tell that old man to shut up.

Maybe he could take care of his grandchildren. Wasn't that what he promised us? 

[Artisi]

I'm pretty sure daddies policies will be policy irrespective of what the clone has to say. 

[thesetat]

I am still trying to figure out what leadership style she has. As far as i can see daddy talks and she makes it happen legally. I have yet to see anything she has thought of and done without first reading about Thaksin saying it should happen. 

[harryviking]

I guess since Thaksin's family seems to be running things again in Thailand, it will be too much to ask someone to shut up that felon and send him back to Dubai again! This will not end well. 😑

[hotchilli]

13 hours ago, webfact said:

In a recent statement, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra clarified that remarks made by her father, Thaksin Shinawatra, regarding government policies may not necessarily translate into action.

I wonder if she has the sphericals to ask daddy to not speak out so much in public as it undermines her PM status.

[hotchilli]

13 hours ago, webfact said:

Despite her familial ties, Paetongtarn distinguishes herself from her father's administration, indicating a potential shift in policy-making processes. Her leadership style and strategic partnerships within the cabinet seem set on charting a distinct course from previous Shinawatra-led administrations.

So prove your independence and position.

You have the power as PM to ask certain entities to have a quiet word in your fathers ear to pipe-down.

[jippytum]

Thaksin's words are not blnding until he tells his daughter they are. 

[BarBoy]

...Thaksin this, Thaksin that...

 

anyone else already had enough??

[lordgrinz]

She better be careful, Daddy doesn't like non-conforming members, even if they are family.

[AustinRacing]

“Not necessarily” means what?

[Watawattana]

2 hours ago, AustinRacing said:

“Not necessarily” means what?

Good politics by Paetongtarn.  Say a lot, but say nothing. 

[AustinRacing]

2 hours ago, Watawattana said:

Good politics by Paetongtarn.  Say a lot, but say nothing. 

Yeah I guess. But then it could be admission that policies “may possibly” be daddy’s.