“Phumtham” has arrived in Thailand, preparing to meet the caretaker cabinet this afternoon, revealing that “Settha” asked for help finding a way to move forward with policies for the people, saying that the coalition parties unanimously voted to send a prime minister candidate from Pheu Thai, confirming that “Chaikasem” is still strong and can play golf, asking people not to imagine after being seen as a temporary prime minister.
Mr. Phumtham Vejjayachai, Acting Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, as Acting Prime Minister, gave an interview after returning urgently from Kazakhstan regarding the case of Mr. Settha Thavisin, the former Prime Minister. Did he have any concerns and leave any message? During this critical period of change, he wanted to come and understand the situation and find a solution that he thought would be most beneficial to the people. He wanted him to come and implement and do what he left behind to achieve the best results so that the people would benefit. As for the details
, we will have to discuss them later. He just returned yesterday (August 14) and was on the plane all day.
When asked if the government’s work before the new prime minister is disrupted, Mr. Phumtham said that there will be no disruptions because according to all mechanisms, the government is still acting as the same group. However, the prime minister who cannot continue acting according to the law, everyone is still in the government, the coalition parties, and has the same policies that have been implemented. Everyone has a duty to manage. Our duty is to do it as continuously as possible, as best as possible, as quickly as possible, and there will probably be a process to select a new prime minister again soon.
As for the caretaker cabinet meeting, will there be any special discussions? Mr. Phumtham said that at least there will be discussions about the situation because the cabinet meeting is also a meeting of the coalition parties. They will look at how each person will work together going forward. The
meeting must be accepted and someone must be found to coordinate. It is understood that today’s meeting will discuss the content that must be jointly implemented because our leader is no longer here, so we must come up and act as caretakers.
When asked about the recent rise of Chaikasem Nitisiri as a prime ministerial candidate, what was his view on this matter? Mr. Phumtham said it was not strange because there were only two remaining candidates for the Pheu Thai Party: Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra and Mr. Chaikasem. Both of them are individuals with proven qualifications, knowledge, and ability, which is up to the Pheu Thai Party to consider. He understood that there would be a party meeting this morning at the House of Representatives, which would use that forum to discuss and listen to opinions within the party, according to the political party process. When it was finished, it would be brought up for discussion within the party’s executive committee again.
‘In today’s cabinet meeting, we will think toge
ther and work together on what to do because there is already a clear resolution from the Pheu Thai Party and the coalition parties. We talked until we unanimously agreed that the prime minister should come from the Pheu Thai Party. Therefore, the Pheu Thai Party must bring this matter back for discussion,’ said Mr. Phumtham.
When asked about criticism of Chaikasem’s health, Mr. Phumtham said that it was normal because Chaikasem had been sick before, but after that he spent time receiving continuous treatment. The last time he met and talked to him, he was normal. Physically, he was able to go out and play golf as usual. As for what was said about him being like this or like that, it was imagination. In reality, we have to look at his health first. If he confirms and sees that he can perform his duties, there is no problem. It is a matter of management by the core party and the coalition parties, which must work together to manage with an administration system that can benefit the country.
As for whether th
e cabinet reshuffle will be carried out immediately if the prime minister is elected, Mr. Phumtham said, ‘Isn’t this too soon? Let’s wait until we have a prime minister first, okay?’
The reporter asked again that once the prime minister is appointed, a new cabinet must also be formed. Mr. Phumtham replied that that is correct. Whether immediately or not, we will discuss it later. At the very least, the prime minister must be elected first according to the legal process. Once the prime minister is appointed, we must wait for royal approval. Once royal approval has been granted, the prime minister’s process must be completed. Once completed, it is the prime minister’s obligation to form a new cabinet. When the King approves a new cabinet, the old cabinet will be terminated by default. Therefore, we must wait to see who the new prime minister will be and how he will select his team.
When asked if the core leaders of the coalition government went to Thaksin Shinawatra’s Chan Song La house yesterday (August 14),
Mr. Phumtham said, “They might miss each other and go see each other. There’s no problem. People who miss each other, I sneak into his house often. When I miss each other, I go. But if I miss you at this time, people might think it’s wrong. It might be normal. Many things are unexpected. Don’t imagine too much. Let’s be realistic.”
As for whether Mr. Chaikasem will be the interim prime minister or not, Mr. Phumtham said, ‘It depends on what the media calls it. The prime minister is the prime minister. In the legal system, there is no interim prime minister. If it is accepted by the parliament, it is considered the prime minister. The prime minister must act according to his power and duties. It depends on the team arrangement.’
Source: Thai News Agency