PM Paetongtarn Balances Family Time Amidst Farmers' Outcry

[webfact]

Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has found herself at the centre of a heated debate following her appearance with her children at a protest led by farmers at Government House. The farmers from 19 provinces were expressing frustration over the government's sluggish efforts in dealing with the blackchin tilapia, a fish species wreaking havoc on local ecosystems.

 

On Tuesday, March 18th, the farmers made their voices heard by dumping truckloads of tilapia near the fence of Government House, signalling their dissatisfaction with the government's response to this ecological crisis. Critics were quick to question the prime minister’s priorities after images emerged of her with her young ones during this tense protest.

 

Undaunted by the criticism, the 38-year-old prime minister has spoken out, defending her actions. She assures the public that the Fisheries Department is actively engaged in addressing the invasive species issue. Paetongtarn rebuffs any suggestion that her presence with her children detracts from her duties.

 

“Being close to my children doesn’t interfere with my work,” she stated on March 19. “It’s about being able to multitask. Engaging in one activity doesn’t preclude involvement in another.”

 

 

 

Married to Pitaka Suksawat, Paetongtarn is a mother to a four-year-old daughter, Thitara, and a son, Phrutthasin, who approaches his second birthday on May 1. While some perceive her appearance with her children as a lack of sensitivity to the farmers' plight, Paetongtarn remains resolute, emphasising her capacity to integrate her personal and professional lives as a core part of her leadership.

 

The protest has illuminated a growing sense of frustration among farmers who contend that government measures to combat the blackchin tilapia have been both tardy and inadequate. Whilst the prime minister continues to focus on her governing responsibilities, she has pledged to take meaningful steps to resolve these pressing concerns, ensuring the livelihoods of the farming communities.

 

Amidst the escalating pressure, Prime Minister Paetongtarn, in a display of resilience, underscores her commitment to navigating the complex roles of leadership and motherhood, asserting that these dual responsibilities are not mutually exclusive but rather complementary facets of her approach to governance. As she stands firm, the nation watches keenly for tangible solutions and reassurances from its leader reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2025-03-20

 

 

[Tropicalevo]

9 hours ago, webfact said:

She assures the public that the Fisheries Department is actively engaged in addressing the invasive species issue.

No they are not.

The culprit is CP Foods.

However, CPF will 'pay' their way out of the situation.

The PM is just waiting to see how large her envelope is.

Nothing else to do but play with the kids until envelope accepted.

[watchcat]

14 hours ago, webfact said:

Engaging in one activity doesn’t preclude involvement in another.

 

Is this why Daddy have taken such a big role in "your activities" lately?

[hotchilli]

18 hours ago, webfact said:

Critics were quick to question the prime minister’s priorities after images emerged of her with her young ones during this tense protest.

She's a mother and a mouth piece for Thaksin... why would she personally be concerned about anything...

she's thinking more about her next shopping trip and purchase

[FlorC]

They could have explained what blackchin tilapia has to do with farming .

Are they swimming around on rice fields ?

[newbee2022]

18 hours ago, webfact said:

Being close to my children doesn’t interfere with my work,” she stated on March 19. “It’s about being able to multitask

Yeah, Thais are famous for their multitasking skills 🤗

[redwood1]

17 minutes ago, FlorC said:

They could have explained what blackchin tilapia has to do with farming .

Are they swimming around on rice fields ?

 

fish farming

[FlorC]

Thanks redwood .

Fish is fish. Thais eat anything .

[dinsdale]

48 minutes ago, FlorC said:

They could have explained what blackchin tilapia has to do with farming .

Are they swimming around on rice fields ?

They're a predatory invasive African fish species out competing native species for resources and that breed at and incredible rate. CP are being blamed for the spread as they imported the species but deny responsibility for it's escape into the ecosystem. No need for this article to explain this as it's basically a fluff piece about how great Paetonhtarn is at being both the PM and a mother. 

[watchcat]

1 hour ago, redwood1 said:

 

fish farming

 

In rice fields?

[Sydebolle]

10 hours ago, Tropicalevo said:

No they are not.

The culprit is CP Foods.

However, CPF will 'pay' their way out of the situation.

The PM is just waiting to see how large her envelope is.

Nothing else to do but play with the kids until envelope accepted.

Guess whose desk it is onto which one should put the enormous bill of health issues related to the haze in Northern and Northeastern Thailand; who runs the feed mills? But the nine digit cheque on a yearly basis, hand delivered, seems to smoothen the pain and suffering of 60% - 70% of the citizen. 

One day the chicken will come home to roost, it is on its way but has not hit home just yet 😞 

[Sydebolle]

"The _____________  department is actively engaged in addressing the ______________ issue."

To facilitate matters, one has to just fill in the blanks. On second thought - forget about it as nothing ever happens anyway. Put the pen back where it belongs and have a drink instead! 

[FlorC]

1 hour ago, dinsdale said:

They're a predatory invasive African fish species out competing native species for resources and that breed at and incredible rate. CP are being blamed for the spread as they imported the species but deny responsibility for it's escape into the ecosystem. No need for this article to explain this as it's basically a fluff piece about how great Paetonhtarn is at being both the PM and a mother. 

Yes this is a fluff piece , but the picture of all those dead fish steals the attention a lot more than Thaksins face/PM.

 

 

[brfsa2]

Black-gill is a disease in fish  caused by several interconnected factors, and nobody buys those fish.

The main reason in Thailand for this to happen:

1. Environmental pollution: Industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and urban pollution introduce chemicals and heavy metals that damage gill tissue.
2. Low oxygen conditions: Eutrophication from excessive nutrients creates algal blooms that deplete oxygen, stressing fish and making them vulnerable to infections.
3. Pathogens: Bacteria, fungi, and parasites that thrive in compromised water conditions can directly infect gills, causing the characteristic blackening.
4. Climate change: Rising water temperatures in Thailand's coastal waters create favorable conditions for certain pathogens while stressing fish immune systems.
5. Intensive aquaculture: Thailand's extensive shrimp and fish farming may contribute to water quality issues and pathogen spread.

 

[Sir Dude]

"CCP Foods" more like... no chance of them being held accountable on anything, even if they screw-up big time like they did on this issue.

[dinsdale]

41 minutes ago, brfsa2 said:

Black-gill is a disease in fish  caused by several interconnected factors, and nobody buys those fish.

The main reason in Thailand for this to happen:

1. Environmental pollution: Industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and urban pollution introduce chemicals and heavy metals that damage gill tissue.
2. Low oxygen conditions: Eutrophication from excessive nutrients creates algal blooms that deplete oxygen, stressing fish and making them vulnerable to infections.
3. Pathogens: Bacteria, fungi, and parasites that thrive in compromised water conditions can directly infect gills, causing the characteristic blackening.
4. Climate change: Rising water temperatures in Thailand's coastal waters create favorable conditions for certain pathogens while stressing fish immune systems.
5. Intensive aquaculture: Thailand's extensive shrimp and fish farming may contribute to water quality issues and pathogen spread.

 

Blackchin talapia. What does black gill disease otherwise known as shrimp disease have to do with anything.

BTW when you cut and paste from the net you need to source it.

[thesetat]

So many police there watching her with smiles. Is she so worried about being attacked that it takes a regiment to oversee her activities? 

[ballpoint]

If only there was a person who could spend time with her children, so she could get on with government business.  I don't know, their grandfather or someone?