Bangkok Parliament Sidesteps Thaksin in No-Confidence Vote
Bangkok—A no-confidence debate against Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra will proceed on March 24th, following a compromise between the ruling coalition and the opposition People’s Party (PP). The agreement centers on referencing former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, the Prime Minister’s father, during parliamentary proceedings. The opposition’s initial motion heavily implicated Thaksin, accusing him of undue influence and criticizing Paetongtarn’s leadership. However, after negotiations, the PP agreed to omit Thaksin’s name.
This concession followed a warning from House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha. He cautioned that mentioning Thaksin, who holds no current political office, would violate Parliamentary Regulation No. 176 and potentially expose lawmakers to defamation lawsuits. This regulation, protecting individuals outside politics from unwarranted attacks during debates, became a key negotiation point. The House Speaker emphasized his own potential legal liability if Thaksin were named.
The decision to exclude Thaksin’s name followed a Thursday meeting of government and opposition whips, House Speaker Wan, and opposition leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut. While the PP revised its motion, Natthaphong indicated the opposition would allude to Thaksin indirectly. He argued that, as a public figure with ample media access, Thaksin could respond to criticisms outside parliament. This allows the opposition to maintain its critique while adhering to parliamentary rules.
Negotiations also involved the debate’s length. The opposition initially requested 30 hours, while the government proposed two days, followed by a confidence vote on the third. The government’s preference for a shorter debate likely reflects a strategy to minimize political fallout and maintain stability. Government and opposition whips will meet again next Wednesday to finalize the timetable.
This political maneuvering occurs against a backdrop of historical tension surrounding the Shinawatra family’s influence in Thai politics. Thaksin was ousted in a 2006 coup and has lived in self-imposed exile since 2008 to avoid corruption charges he claims are politically motivated. His influence remains potent, despite his absence. The current Prime Minister’s succession has been seen by some as a continuation of the Shinawatra political dynasty, further complicating the debate.
Speaking at Government House on Thursday, Prime Minister Paetongtarn acknowledged the opposition’s potential use of indirect references to her father. She expressed her readiness to address all questions and reaffirmed her confidence in the coalition government’s ability to withstand the no-confidence motion. The debate will be closely watched, critically testing the government’s stability and offering insight into Thai political dynamics. The outcome will significantly impact the country’s future direction and the Shinawatra family’s role within it.
