Bangkok: Pheu Thai Party has reaffirmed its commitment to serving as a vigilant opposition, closely monitoring the Khao Kradong case and the Senate collusion case, with a readiness to file a no-confidence motion against the Prime Minister if any justice process interference is detected. Ms. Khattiya Sawatdiphon, a party-list MP and deputy spokesperson for the Pheu Thai Party, made this announcement during a press conference following the election of Thailand’s 32nd Prime Minister, congratulating the new government led by Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul of the Bhumjaithai Party.
According to Thai News Agency, despite not being part of the government, the Pheu Thai Party has pledged to diligently function as the opposition, adhering to parliamentary democracy principles and scrutinizing government actions from the outset. Ms. Khattiya emphasized the party’s readiness to challenge any abuse of power through a no-confidence motion.
The Pheu Thai Party is determined to address major issues like the Khao Kradong land encroachment case and the Senate collusion case, which have raised public concerns regarding their connection to the leading political party. The party plans to investigate and monitor the new government’s approach to these matters.
Ms. Khattiya stressed that any detected attempts to interfere with the justice process would prompt the Pheu Thai Party to utilize all available investigative means to uphold national interests and the rule of law. The party is prepared to propose a general no-confidence debate against the Prime Minister at any time, even before the stipulated four-month deadline in the “Orange-Blue” memorandum of understanding.
The Pheu Thai Party has expressed skepticism about the success of the new government, formed under peculiar circumstances through a parliamentary system with the People’s Party’s support. Ms. Khattiya highlighted that the Pheu Thai Party, as the second-largest party, had endorsed Mr. Pita Limjaroenrat for prime minister twice and attempted to form a government with the Move Forward Party, which was ultimately rejected by other parties, including the Bhumjaithai Party.
The Pheu Thai Party had to form a government independently, opting for a Pheu Thai prime minister as its leader, contrasting with the People’s Party’s support for the Bhumjaithai Party. Ms. Khattiya noted that the People’s Party’s role extends beyond voting for the Prime Minister, serving as a quorum for the Bhumjaithai Party, an unusual position for the opposition.
Ms. Khattiya called on the People’s Party to fulfill its role as a strong opposition by scrutinizing the government, rather than serving as its supporter. She emphasized that the true opposition should act as the people’s representative, keeping the government in check.
In response to Mr. Rangsiman Rome’s interview regarding the People’s Party’s vote for Mr. Anutin to prevent General Prayut Chan-o-cha’s re-nomination, Ms. Khattiya insisted that the Pheu Thai Party has never considered General Prayut in its calculations. The party remains committed to its prime ministerial candidate, Chaikasem Nitisiri, and prepared to navigate the mechanisms of the 2017 Constitution.
The Pheu Thai Party is determined to perform its opposition duties for the nation’s benefit, maintaining transparent political standards and preventing any distortion of the democratic process.