Prawit to Challenge PM Paetongtarn in Upcoming Censure Debate

[webfact]

Picture courtesy of Amarin TV

 

In an unexpected political twist, Palang Pracharath leader Prawit Wongsuwan is gearing up to challenge Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra in a high-stakes censure debate scheduled for later this month. This rare parliamentary appearance by Prawit marks a defining moment, signalling intensified scrutiny of the Prime Minister's leadership.

 

Prawit, who traditionally offers terse replies to media inquiries, is set to join Members of Parliament from the People’s Party in the debate, which will exclusively focus on the Prime Minister's alleged shortcomings. Previously serving as Deputy Prime Minister, Prawit's participation underscores the significance of the accusations leveled against Paetongtarn.

 

The censure motion, spearheaded by the opposition, paints Paetongtarn as an “unqualified and incompetent” leader. Criticism also centres on her alleged dependency on her father, Thaksin Shinawatra, de facto leader of the Pheu Thai Party. Detractors claim that Paetongtarn operates under Thaksin’s influence, thus compromising her ability to lead effectively.

 

Palang Pracharath Secretary General Paiboon Nititawan intimates that Prawit will highlight a series of unresolved issues during the debate, notably questioning Paetongtarn’s management of national affairs. One contentious point is the alleged machinations surrounding Thaksin’s recent period in medical care.

Thaksin had been serving a nominal one-year prison sentence. Critics allege his prolonged hospital stay was more about political manoeuvring than health concerns.

 

The crux of the opposition's argument is that Paetongtarn serves merely as a "puppet" prime minister, continually directed by her father’s political strategy. Thaksin, once Prime Minister himself, was ousted in a coup in 2006 and later returned to Thailand after a lengthy self-imposed exile.

 

His return, according to the opposition, was underpinned by a clandestine agreement with the prevailing authorities, allowing him to evade significant jail time.

 

The alleged deal has broader implications, suggesting an orchestrated effort to realign Thailand’s political landscape. According to sources, Thaksin’s return was predicated on orchestrating a coalition between Pheu Thai and pro-establishment factions, effectively sidelining the reformist Move Forward Party, now rebranded as the People’s Party.

 

This political theatre not only questions Paetongtarn’s independence but also poses broader questions about the country's governance and democratic integrity. With stakes high, Prawit’s rare foray into the debate is sure to captivate the political scene, putting Paetongtarn's premiership under an assertive spotlight, reported Thai Newsroom.

 

-- 2025-03-05

 

 

[proton]

If he keeps awake long enough 😁

[ozz1]

Watch this space sorry I was asleep did I miss something

[lupin]

Will he be slapping any reporters present?

[Briggsy]

Given his penchant for slapping those he perceives as below him, will he be giving the PM, a woman half his age, a whack? Let us hope he can restrain his baser instincts.

[Pouatchee]

2 minutes ago, Briggsy said:

Given his penchant for slapping those he perceives as below him, will he be giving the PM, a woman half his age, a whack? Let us hope he can restrain his baser instincts.

 

Actually i hope he whackamole's the shins outta power... but wishful thinking me thinks

[Tropicalevo]

The vultures are circling?

[lordgrinz]

This should be entertaining.