Govt MPs dismiss latest coalition move against budget bill

By Thai Newsroom Reporters

GOVERNMENT MPs have categorically dismissed fresh hearsay that Palang Pracharath leader Prawit Wongsuwan might probably be named prime minister in place of the current one, Srettha Thavisin, given the possibility that the 2024 budget bill might be turned down today (Mar 22).

Several government MPs attached to coalition partners downplayed rumours that the 3.48 trillion baht budget bill might possibly be voted down by a majority of lawmakers, not only referring to Move Forward-led opposition MPs but government MPs, in a hush-hush move to press the Pheu Thai-backed prime minister to step down and be replaced by the Palang Pracharath leader.

The latest, surreptitious move among coalition partners has been reported as part of a secret deal earlier made between de facto Pheu Thai boss-cum-convict on parole Thaksin Shinawatra and leading members of the powers-that-be, referring in part to de facto Ruam Thai Sang Chart boss/former coup leader-turned-prime minister/now privy councillor Prayut Chan-o-cha.

Thaksin, who returned home without being literally put behind bars for his court-convicted misconduct in office, had been allegedly given the green light to set up a Pheu Thai-led coalition government and name the former real estate mogul, Srettha, as head of government, had been pressed to see to it that the prime minister be changed before all 250 junta-named senators have completed their five-year term in the upcoming May. The senators are constitutionally empowered to join ranks with the elected MPs in the voting for prime minister.

Nevertheless, Palang Pracharath spokesperson/MP Attakorn Sirilathayakorn categorically denied that his party leader, Prawit, might possibly replace Srettha in an alleged clandestine move among coalition partners following the 2024 budget bill the final reading of which is scheduled to end today.

Attakorn said all 40 Palang Pracharath MPs will certainly vote in accordance with a resolution of the Pheu Thai-led government whips toward the budget bill.

Deputy Interior Minister Kriang Kalptinand of the Pheu Thai called hearsay about a number of Pheu Thai MPs being offered kickbacks in exchange for their abstention from voting on the budget bill “utterly groundless.”

Kriang said he would have got wind of such a hush-hush move among coalition partners if it was actually taking place.

An estimated 30 Pheu Thai MPs had been allegedly approached by an unnamed leader of a coalition partner prompting them to abstain from voting on the budget bill in return for a payoff in cash so it might possibly be aborted, thus pressing the Pheu Thai-backed prime minister to step down.

CAPTION:

Top and Front Page: Palang Pracharth leader Prawit Wongsuwan, left, and Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, right. Both photos: Matichon

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