Bangkok: Paethongtarn reveals that Thaksin Shinawatra has accepted the verdict of the judicial process, dismissing all accusations against him, and has urged the Pheu Thai Party to advance. She emphasized the importance of strengthening the party as MPs and leaders rally support and gear up for the forthcoming election calendar.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Danupon Punnakanta, a party-list MP and spokesperson for the Pheu Thai Party, disclosed the outcomes of the weekly MP meeting. Prior to this meeting, a significant party executive committee session was conducted at 2:00 PM, headed by Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra, the party leader. During this session, the executive committee expressed their encouragement to the party leader to help her navigate the current situation, noting that she was in good spirits and exuding strength.
Mr. Danupon further mentioned that the day’s executive committee meeting focused on preparations for the approaching elections, scheduled a few months ahead. The meeting involved reviewing previous directives concerning candidate selection, campaign strategies, and policies. Additionally, the party scrutinized the election calendar to pinpoint the forthcoming election date. The Pheu Thai Party aims to finalize candidate preparations by mid-next month, anticipating a complete 400 constituency pool. Should additional candidates emerge beyond the current MPs, efforts will commence promptly. The party will also engage senior members with ministerial experience in shaping policies for the impending campaign.
At 3:00 PM, the MP meeting, led by Ms. Paethongtarn, featured the presence of notable figures such as Mr. Phumtham Wechayachai, Mr. Suriya Jungrungreangkit, Mr. Somsak Thepsuthin, and Mr. Prasert Chantarawongthong, alongside current and former executives. The party leaders extended supportive words to Ms. Paethongtarn following the Supreme Court’s decision earlier that day. She instructed all Pheu Thai Party MPs to partake in the Wednesday-Thursday parliamentary meetings, where crucial laws proposed by the party’s MPs would be forwarded to the House for approval. She emphasized the importance of MPs ensuring their presence to fulfill their duties as representatives of the people. Thursday marks the cabinet transition period, anticipating no parliamentary discussions. The party intends to expedite the legal process for pending legislation.
“The party leader has mandated all MPs to diligently execute their roles as the true opposition in the House of Representatives and to consider vital legislation for the populace. The Pheu Thai Party leader has also addressed various concerns from MPs and deliberated on candidate selection for different areas,” remarked Mr. Danupon.
Addressing the issue of “Cobra” MPs, Mr. Danupon stated that if they are expelled, they are free to join other parties. The Pheu Thai Party is deliberating on whether to retain or expel them, allowing them to switch affiliations. The matter concerning MPs who voted against the party’s resolution has been forwarded to the disciplinary and ethics committee, which will evaluate party regulations to decide on appropriate actions. The infractions, mainly voting against the party’s stance, are evident. The review will proceed swiftly to provide the public, particularly constituency MPs who diverged from the party’s decision, with answers.
When questioned about the confidence of constituency MPs in remaining with the Pheu Thai Party for the next election, Mr. Danupon clarified that the party cannot compel anyone to run under its banner among the 110 constituency MPs. Should Parliament dissolve, a new election is required within 45-60 days, prompting the party to prepare accordingly. For those considering a shift to another party, the Pheu Thai Party won’t hinder such decisions. However, Ms. Paethongtarn assured the MPs at the meeting of her readiness to forge ahead with the election, expressing her commitment to leading the charge. Regarding the election outcomes, while the party aspires for the highest number of MPs, the focus remains on organizing the selection system and formulating policies for the election. She expressed confidence in the party’s preparedness.
On the topic of policies unimplemented by the Pheu Thai Party while in government, Mr. Danupon noted that once a new government and prime minister are established, policies already sanctioned by parliament, such as the retirement lottery policy, will continue. As these laws have parliamentary approval, discussions will determine their continuation. Other legislations previously passed by parliament will be monitored for implementation. If beneficial policies remain unimplemented by the current government, the party plans to reintroduce them. Evaluations will be necessary to ascertain the applicability of already approved policies.
Reporters highlighted the presence of regional representatives, including Dr. Cholanat Srikaew, MP for Nan, and Mr. Prayut Siriphanit, MP for the party list, at the Pheu Thai Party MPs meeting. They offered Ms. Paethongtarn support following former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s imprisonment as per the Supreme Court’s order.
Ms. Paethongtarn expressed gratitude to all MPs for their backing, noting that prior to incarceration, Mr. Thaksin was in high spirits and foresaw the outcome. She affirmed readiness to accept the judicial verdict, clearing all allegations and enabling the party’s progress. She also conveyed Mr. Thaksin’s encouragement for her to lead the party’s strengthening efforts.