Before the Constitutional Court issued a ruling that could decide the Prime Minister's seat for Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai called on the public to " grant the government a chance", affirming that the ruling coalition led by the Party ofheu Thai remains united and ready to face the challenge.
The Constitutional Court is scheduled to rule on August 29 over the fate of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The incident originated from a leaked audio recording of a conversation between her and Hun Sen, President of the Cambodian Senate, causing the young female leader to face accusations of serious ethical violations - a verdict that could see her lose her Prime Minister position after just 1 year in office.
While the Shinawatra family faces its biggest challenge since former Prime Minister Thaksin, Phumtham Wechayachai has reassured the public. In an interview with Nation TV last weekend, he emphasized: "Give the government the opportunity to prove it with action. The ruling coalition and the Pheu Thai Party are still united and not divided.
According to Mr. Phumtham, before the court's verdict, there are three main possibilities.
First, the possibility of Ms. Paetongtarn voluntarily leaving the prime minister's chair is almost zero. He affirmed that he had never heard of this proposal from the party leader or her own mother.
Second, if Ms. Paetongtarn stays strong, the government will have another 1-2 years of stability to regain confidence. "We have volunteered to shoulder the responsibility, then we will face the difficulties together" - he said.
Third, if Ms. Paetongtarn is eliminated, the question is whether the alliance partners will still support Pheu Thai. Mr. Phumtham affirmed: Today we all know that the Prime Minister has done nothing wrong. When there is still faith, there will be no division. Regarding the possibility of nominating Mr. Chaikasem Nitisiri, another candidate of the Pheu Thai Party, he said that it depends on the situation and consensus in the National Assembly.
In response to concerns about a political crisis, Mr. Phumtham expressed optimism: I believe that the partners in the alliance will still stand with Pheu Thai. I have not seen anyone "stabbing behind" us."
He admitted that public opinion polls show reduced government confidence, but affirmed that actual achievements are the final measure.
Regarding relations with the army, Acting Prime Minister Phumtham compared: The army is the fist of a steel fist, and the government is the Helmet of a velvet. At times, when it is necessary to take the opportunity, the government accepts and supports them, because they are at the front line. But behind us, we always coordinate. He revealed that he regularly exchanges with generals to ensure that all decisions, especially on the Thai-Cambodian border, are agreed upon.
The verdict on August 29 is considered the fateful verdict for Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra. If she overcomes it, she will not only keep the Prime Minister's seat but also strengthen the political heritage of the Shinawatra family. Conversely, if it fails, the balance of power in Thailand may shift.
