Govt unity ‘intact’ despite Thaksin’s criticism of some coalition parties

Despite past leading Thaksin Shinawatra’s condemnation of some partnership parties for skipping an important case meeting, the ruling Pheu Thai Party insists that the government’s unity is preserved.

At Pheu Thai’s conference in Hua Hin area, Prachuap Khiri Khan, on Friday, Thaksin took shots at some partnership parties for their ministers ‘ no-show at last year’s government appointment to deliberate two senior decrees: one governing the reform of juristic person tax and the other on increasing the country’s competitiveness.

Thaksin, who wields tremendous influence in Pheu Thai, accused specific functions of avoiding the appointment.

” Where’s the’ all for one and one for all’ heart? If someone doesn’t want to be]in the government ] any more, they may say so. The next time they skip]a government meeting], they may even make a withdrawal text. That should be easy”, he said.

In its policy speech to congress, the former top claimed coalition parties likewise showed their support for the government.

” But after government votes were divided, they gradually retracted their palms”, Thaksin said. What we witnessed at the cabinet’s consideration of the two laws was never a pretty look.

Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, who is also the party’s head, Deputy Interior Minister Songsak Thongsri from Bhumjaithai, and Deputy Agriculture Minister Akkhara Prompow from a separatist group that was a part of the Palang Pracharath Party, were not present at the Dec. 11 government meeting.

Surasak Phancharoenworakul, the lieutenant minister of education, and Suchart Chomklin, the deputy minister of commerce, both served as counterparts of the two.

Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who is Bhumjaithai head, cut short his doctor’s appointment to attend the meeting after receiving a visit from PM’s secretary-general Prommin Lertsuriyadej. Another Bhumjaithai assistant officials took a leave of absence.

But, Pheu Thai secretary-general Sorawong Thienthong, who is also hospitality and sports minister, said the alliance is also united and may serve out the government’s name. As a freshman number, Thaksin’s words are valued, and Pheu Thai pays heed to them, he said.

Mr. Anutin continued that he did not believe Thaksin made the remarks in reference to Bhumjaithai. He claimed that the regular government meet typically occurs on Tuesdays, but he was unaware that this one had been moved to Wednesday.

Asked if Thaksin’s notes were aimed at Bhumjaithai, he said:” Bhumjaithai is susceptible to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra who is the state head. What Thaksin mentioned regarding the truancy, I’m never too worked up about it”.