Bangkok: “Paethongtarn” opened the dinner stage for coalition parties, expressing gratitude for the support received during her tenure as Prime Minister and affirming her commitment to serving the people and the institution. Despite no longer holding the Prime Minister position, she reassured attendees of her dedication to her responsibilities and her belief in future opportunities to serve.
According to Thai News Agency, the dinner, organized by the Pheu Thai Party under the theme ‘United Thailand, Protecting Sovereignty, Solving Problems for the People,’ included ministers, party leaders, MPs, and political officials from the coalition parties. Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra delivered a special lecture at the event.
The banquet hall featured a mix of long tables for ministers and round tables for MPs, fostering an atmosphere of camaraderie among attendees. Notable attendees included Thaksin Shinawatra, Prime Minister and Culture Minister Paethongtarn Shinawatra, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Phumtham Vejjayachai, acting Prime Minister, and Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, among others.
During her opening speech, Ms. Paethongtarn expressed her happiness and honor in addressing the coalition government members. She thanked them for their unwavering support throughout her year-long tenure as Prime Minister and emphasized the importance of unity in overcoming challenges such as global economic issues and domestic political situations.
Ms. Paethongtarn reassured her colleagues that her absence from the Prime Minister position has not diminished her commitment to serving the public. As the Minister of Culture, she continues to seek ways to benefit the people and expressed confidence in the coalition’s shared intentions.
She emphasized the importance of preserving the lives of citizens and military officers through peaceful means. Ms. Paethongtarn expressed hope for future opportunities to resume her role in serving the nation and its institutions alongside her colleagues.
In closing, Ms. Paethongtarn voiced confidence in the new cabinet and their collective ability to work for the country and its citizens, reiterating her appreciation for the opportunity to collaborate with everyone present.
Following her speech, Ms. Paethongtarn joined party leaders and coalition members for a group photo. Notably absent were Ms. Narumon Pinyosinwat, due to a prior medical appointment, and leaders of the Democrat Party, who arrived later. Mr. Thaksin took part in the group photo and later joined Mr. Decha Isara Khaothong and other leaders at the dinner table.