The opposition Pheu Thai Party has vowed to scrutinise ministers in the new Bhumjaithai Party (BJT)-led government, branding some as part of a “Buri Ram power connection” with political influence networks that could undermine high-profile legal cases.
Pheu Thai deputy spokesman Chanin Rungthanakiat said the public was concerned about integrity, conflicts of interest, and links between ministers and political influence groups.
He said the party would deliver full parliamentary debate when the government presents its policy statement.
The debate will have two main focuses: government policies and ministerial qualifications.
Under government policies, Pheu Thai will look into the four-month administrative timeframe stipulated in the memorandum of agreement (MOA) signed between the opposition People’s Party and BJT on constitutional reform to allow a full charter rewrite, and a public referendum.
On ministerial qualifications, Pheu Thai will examine competence, conflicts of interest, and past allegations, particularly those tied to the Khao Kradong alleged land encroachment and the Senate collusion case. Mr Chanin added some ministers faced prior corruption rulings or accusations but had been “rescued” with political backing.
“The highlight will be asking directly whether BJT’s push to become a minority government for only four months is connected to these sensitive cases. “If the judicial process proceeds normally, it could spell the end for certain parties,” Mr Chanin said.
Responding to Mr Chanin’s remarks, Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who also leads BJT, dismissed Pheu Thai’s criticisms, saying MPs were free to debate but the government had yet to govern.
“It’s their right, but I also have facts to clarify. Still, there will be no tit-for-tat dissection,” Mr Anutin said.
When told that Pheu Thai labelled his cabinet the “Buri Ram power connection”, Mr Anutin countered: “What about the connections that existed before? Maybe they should look at themselves first. I don’t do what they did.” He did not elaborate.
On Pheu Thai’s decision to remain an independent opposition and not join the PP-led opposition camp, Mr Anutin said he had no issue with that, but stressed the government would only last four months before parliament is dissolved.
“So, let’s not fight each other. Save the fighting for elections. Let the people decide, not politicians themselves,” he said. Mr Anutin warned against wasting energy on domestic political conflict while Thailand faced external challenges.
“We should not be fighting one another when we have problems with neighbours. If we must fight, fight outside, not inside,” he said, referring to Thai-Cambodian border tensions.
“I’ve said from the start, we’ll only be here for four months. Then let’s compete in elections and let the people judge.”
