(Bangkok, 27th) According to Thai media reports, Thai Deputy Secretary-General to the Prime Minister (Political Affairs) Somkid revealed today that Prime Minister and Minister of Culture Paetongtarn will go to the Government House before noon on August 29 to await the Constitutional Court's ruling on her eligibility as Prime Minister. Several ministers will accompany her on the day, and in the afternoon, Pheu Thai MPs will also arrive to express their support.
Somkid emphasized that regardless of whether the result is positive or negative, it will not affect the unity of the ruling coalition. If the Constitutional Court rules unfavorably for Paetongtarn, Pheu Thai Party will nominate another party member, Chaikasem, as the new Prime Minister candidate; if the result is favorable, Paetongtarn will continue to govern. He insisted that the government has no concerns, and the rumor about "spending 20 billion baht to buy MPs to retain power" is pure fabrication and mere political speculation.
When asked if personnel changes would lead to political instability, Somkid responded that there would be no problems and everything would operate as usual. Even if a new Prime Minister is needed, it would only take an extra two to three weeks. As for whether the coalition was preparing a dinner to reaffirm cooperation, he said there had been no discussion, but the party whips had communicated on legislative work.
Regarding external doubts about a potential reversal of camps, Somkid denied this and stated that there was no reason for a reversal, as the voting structure remains solid. Even if another party nominates a new candidate, it would be difficult to gain majority support. Whether the government's term can last until the end depends on its governance performance, not on rumors. He also mockingly said that those hyping up the "20 billion vote-buying" story, "might as well save the money to buy snacks for their children."
In response to criticism that the government has not accomplished much, Somkid said that policy achievements will gradually become evident, such as drug control measures and the 20-baht flat fare for all rail lines, though some delays are due to legal procedures.