Thailand’s opposition parties announced on Thursday that they will hold off initiating a no-confidence motion against suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra until the court delivers its ruling, but stressed their commitment to cooperate in order to prevent political deadlock.
Thailand’s Constitutional Court on Tuesday suspended Paetongtarn from her duties after accepting a petition from 36 senators who accused the prime minister of dishonesty and breaching ethical standards following a leaked phone conversation between her and Cambodia’s influential former leader Hun Sen.
Leaders of the five opposition parties – including the Bhumjaithai Party, which left the government coalition last month – met ahead of the reconvening of parliament on Thursday, vowing to work together to put pressure on the government.
“We must wait for clarity on the case being considered by the Constitutional Court involving Paetongtarn before deciding when to submit a no-confidence motion,” said Leader of the Opposition Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut.
Opposition Vows Political Stability
Natthaphong, who is also head of the People’s Party, which holds the largest share of parliamentary seats, said opposition parties will work together to ensure that there is no political deadlock, even if Paetongtarn is dismissed by the court.
“I confirm that all opposition party leaders have discussed and agreed that we will not let politics reach a dead end,” he said.
The government, which holds a slim parliamentary majority, is under fire from multiple fronts, including public protests, and has reshuffled the cabinet to shore up support from its coalition partners.
A total of 14 new cabinet ministers were sworn in to duty by King Maha Vajiralongkorn on Thursday, including the suspended Paetongtarn, who will take on a new cabinet role as minister of culture.
The cabinet will meet later on Thursday to appoint Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai as the new caretaker leader.
Phumtham, 71, who is a former defence minister, will take on the role of interior minister following the reshuffle.
(With inputs from Reuters)
