BANGKOK, Thailand – Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has raised concerns over Thailand’s current political situation, describing it as a distortion of democratic norms. Speaking to the media on September 3, he pointed to the arrangement between the Bhumjaithai Party and the People’s Party, under which Bhumjaithai would form a minority government while the People’s Party supports the administration without joining it. The acting premier said this effectively leaves Pheu Thai as the opposition, Bhumjaithai as the government, and the People’s Party in a dual role, a configuration he said has no precedent.
Phumtham also addressed growing frustration over tactics used to draw MPs across party lines and warned that political instability, combined with unresolved economic issues, could further damage public trust. He said restoring confidence is essential, and that without a clear and legitimate resolution, economic problems would likely continue to deepen.
According to Phumtham, the government’s legal team had reviewed the situation and concluded that the best course of action would be to return decision-making power to the public. However, he clarified that dissolving the House rests solely with the monarchy. Any such move would require His Majesty the King’s judgment, based on the current national context.
The Acting Prime Minister said he formally submitted the matter for Royal consideration on September 2 and is now awaiting the outcome. He added that any further decisions will depend on discussions between the People’s Party and the Bhumjaithai Party, as the next steps in forming a government are considered. (NNT)
