Bangkok: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Phumtham Vejjayachai expressed discomfort following calls for the dissolution of the Pheu Thai Party and its six coalition partners. He fears such actions could undermine the nation’s economic stability. The concerns arose amid allegations of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s undue influence over the party, which some claim could affect governmental confidence and economic recovery.
According to Thai News Agency, Phumtham clarified the purpose of the coalition dinner held tonight, emphasizing that it was not intended as a platform for discussing the controversial Amnesty Bill but rather as an opportunity for coalition leaders to foster relationships and share improvement suggestions under the new administration of Prime Minister Paethongtarn Shinawatra. Despite differing views among the coalition parties on the Amnesty Bill, Phumtham highlighted that such discussions typically require more in-depth dialogue and are not suited for informal dinner
settings.
Phumtham addressed the media’s questions regarding the Election Commission’s (EC) recent acceptance of a petition to dissolve the Pheu Thai Party and its coalition partners over allegations related to Thaksin’s influence. He stated that while he respects the EC’s role, the timing of these allegations is concerning as the government is just beginning to implement its policies, and unwarranted disruptions could jeopardize the economic recovery efforts. Phumtham asserted that if any wrongdoings are found, they should be addressed legally, but he cautioned against premature judgments that could destabilize the government and economy.
Furthermore, Phumtham reassured that the Pheu Thai Party is prepared to defend itself against any accusations and will comply with legal processes. He called for transparency and fairness in how these issues are handled to ensure that the focus remains on governance and economic stability.