(Bangkok, 14th) Visut Chainaran, Pheu Thai Party list MP and chairman of the Government Coalition Coordination Committee (Whip Committee), stated that before the Constitutional Court’s verdict on August 29th regarding Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s phone call recording with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen, he has no ‘backup plan’ and firmly believes the judicial system will act fairly, and is confident the Prime Minister will not resign early.
Visut pointed out that within the party there are two views regarding the verdict date: the majority of MPs hope to end the case quickly to focus on work, while a minority feel it’s fine to follow the original schedule. But the general atmosphere is calm, since they believe the Prime Minister acted to protect the safety of tens of thousands of Thai citizens in Cambodia and did not act wrongly. He emphasized that if the border had been closed, gunfire would have been inevitable, and private diplomatic negotiations were meant to save lives.
He revealed that after the Constitutional Court announced the date yesterday, many MPs went to meet the Prime Minister to offer support, but instead, the Prime Minister proactively went to Parliament to cheer everyone on, with a smile on his face. Visut said that no one is worried about the result nor is considering the possibility that the Prime Minister would be found guilty, as they are confident in his innocence. Even if there is any change, the third term Prime Minister will still be from the Pheu Thai Party.
Regarding rumors that the Prime Minister may resign, he denied this, saying the Prime Minister is energetic and it is impossible for him to step down on his own initiative. As for whether Parliament will be dissolved after the budget is completed, Visut clearly stated 'no', reasoning that current border tensions and other issues need urgent solution; dissolving Parliament is not a top priority.
He added that currently, government departments are cracking down on drug and telecom scam crimes, and some people even joke that 'since border tensions started, scam calls have disappeared, making things oddly quiet.' Economically, the budget has been allocated, procurement is ongoing, and the overall situation is improving.
When asked if the government can maintain operations should the Constitutional Court rule unfavorably and a new Prime Minister be elected with only a slim majority, Visut said no coalition members will defect. 'The fewer people, the more united we are, the less likely we are to split. All parties must work together.'
He revealed that after the Constitutional Court announced the date yesterday, many MPs went to meet the Prime Minister to offer support, but instead, the Prime Minister proactively went to Parliament to cheer everyone on, with a smile on his face. Visut said that no one is worried about the result nor is considering the possibility that the Prime Minister would be found guilty, as they are confident in his innocence. Even if there is any change, the third term Prime Minister will still be from the Pheu Thai Party.
Regarding rumors that the Prime Minister may resign, he denied this, saying the Prime Minister is energetic and it is impossible for him to step down on his own initiative. As for whether Parliament will be dissolved after the budget is completed, Visut clearly stated 'no', reasoning that current border tensions and other issues need urgent solution; dissolving Parliament is not a top priority.
He added that currently, government departments are cracking down on drug and telecom scam crimes, and some people even joke that 'since border tensions started, scam calls have disappeared, making things oddly quiet.' Economically, the budget has been allocated, procurement is ongoing, and the overall situation is improving.
When asked if the government can maintain operations should the Constitutional Court rule unfavorably and a new Prime Minister be elected with only a slim majority, Visut said no coalition members will defect. 'The fewer people, the more united we are, the less likely we are to split. All parties must work together.'