Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra Defeats No-Confidence Vote Amid Opposition Accusations
Thailand’s Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, successfully survived a no-confidence vote in parliament on Wednesday, overcoming accusations from opposition parties that she was simply a puppet of her father, former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, and unable to effectively manage the country.
Following a two-day debate that saw fierce criticism from the opposition, which targeted Paetongtarn’s handling of the economy, national security, and her lack of experience, the vote resulted in 319 MPs rejecting the motion, while 162 voted in favor, with seven abstentions.
In the aftermath of the vote, Paetongtarn thanked her supporters, acknowledging that both the positive and negative votes would serve as motivation for her and her cabinet to work harder for the nation’s welfare. “All votes, both for and against, will be a force driving me and the cabinet to carry on working hard for the people,” she wrote on Facebook.
The no-confidence motion came at a time when public confidence in Paetongtarn’s coalition government was notably low, with approval ratings at just 38.55%.
Family Ties and Political Controversy
The controversy surrounding Paetongtarn is deeply intertwined with her father, Thaksin, who remains one of Thailand’s most influential yet divisive figures. Thaksin returned to Thailand in 2023 after spending 15 years in self-imposed exile. Following his return, he served a brief stint in a police hospital for an eight-year jail sentence on corruption and abuse of power charges before being pardoned by the king. This led to speculation about a potential backroom deal to ensure leniency for Thaksin.
Despite his controversial legacy, Thaksin remains popular with millions of poorer Thais who benefitted from his policies during his time in office from 2001 to 2006. However, he remains despised by the kingdom’s conservative elite, who view him as corrupt and manipulative.
Paetongtarn became prime minister last year at the head of a coalition government formed by the Pheu Thai Party, a political movement that traces its roots back to her father. This occurred after a court order removed the then-incumbent prime minister, Srettha Thavisin. At 38 years old, Paetongtarn is not only the youngest person to hold the office but also Thailand’s second-ever female prime minister, following her aunt, who was ousted in a 2014 coup.
Opposition Attacks and Allegations
During the censure debate, opposition lawmakers accused Paetongtarn of abusing her political power to secure preferential treatment for her father. Rangsiman Rome, a vocal member of the main opposition People’s Party, alleged that Paetongtarn engineered special conditions for Thaksin’s release, claiming that a “demon deal” ensured he would not serve any jail time.
In response, Paetongtarn denied the allegations, asserting that she became prime minister months after her father’s royal pardon was granted. Thaksin, for his part, has publicly distanced himself from her government, stating that while he offers advice, he is not directly involved in policy-making.
Further accusations leveled against Paetongtarn included claims of tax evasion and mishandling the recent repatriation of 40 Uighur refugees back to China. The forced deportation of the Uighurs has sparked international condemnation, prompting the United States to impose visa bans on certain Thai officials.
Looking Ahead
As Paetongtarn’s government faces ongoing challenges, both domestically and internationally, the future of her leadership will likely continue to be shaped by her relationship with her father and the ongoing political tensions within Thailand.
