Bangkok: Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the country’s prime minister, fought back against opposition parties ‘ claims that she was a puppet of her father, billionaire ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra, on Wednesday ( Mar 26 ).
MPs rejected the motion of no confidence by 319 votes to 162 with seven vetoes following a two-day controversy over the opposition’s criticism of Paetongtarn’s handling of the nation and her lack of experience.
After winning the vote, Paetongtarn thanked her followers.
All votes, both positive and negative, will inspire the government to continue working hard for the people, she wrote on Twitter.
After 15 years of self-exile, Thaksin, the most powerful but contentious politician in contemporary Thai story, returned to the country in 2023.
Before being pardoned by the prince, he served a short period of his eight-year prison term for traditional bone and abuse of power, which fueled speculations about a lenient treatment he received in a police hospital.
The 75-year-old is still regarded as corrupt and deceitful by millions of poorer Thais who prospered under his 2001-2006 rule. However, the kingdom’s liberal elite despise him because of his corruption and manipulation.
Following the removal of Srettha Thavisin as prime minister by a court order, Paetongtarn was appointed leader of a partnership government led by the Pheu Thai group, the most recent incarnation of the political movement led by Thaksin.
Rangsiman Rome, a prominent senator from the main opposition group, accused Paetongtarn of fabricating her father’s preferential treatment during the conversation.
In parliament, he said,” You made a deal, a demon offer, to get your dad better conditions than other captives.”
Your father won’t be in prison for a second day, according to the statement.
Paetongtarn refuted the claim, pointing out that she only became prime minister a few months after receiving her husband’s aristocratic pardon.
Additionally, criticism MPs accused Paetongtarn of avoiding taxes and handling the case of 40 Tamils who were sent back to China late last month.
The Uyghurs ‘ relocation sparked worldwide outcry, which led to the imposition of visa restrictions on some Thai officials.