Paetongtarn’s policy seen as crucial test for Pheu Thai’s future

What the other side says

The opposition, meanwhile, used this platform to scrutinize and dissect the “disappointing” performance of Srettha Thavisin’s government over the past year. Paetongtarn has described her government as a continuation of Srettha’s leadership.

Opposition leader Natthaphong Ruangpanyawut, who heads the People’s Party, criticised the government, saying it “lacks leadership, with guidelines being ignored by the bureaucracy. The problem may stem from a lack of understanding or authority, resulting in a wasted year”.

He also criticized the main policies, which he said were not focused on the people but on benefiting three main groups: the big boss, the middlemen and the capitalists.

He also reminded the new government of the wounds of the past, particularly the 2004 Tak Bai massacre, which took place during the government of Paetongtarn’s father Thaksin Shinawatra and left 85 people dead.

The opposition also challenged the new government’s economic policies, highlighting how the Paetongtarn government seems to favor certain parties. They also discredited its social policies, particularly efforts to suppress drugs.

Meanwhile, signs of division are emerging within the “blue camp” as factions take different positions. For example, while MPs support the entertainment complex policy, affiliated senators have decided to block it. The “blue camp” refers to the largest coalition partner, Bhumjaithai.

It remains important to investigate whether the policy on entertainment complexes, one of the main goals of the Paetongtarn administration, can overcome the challenges of the divided blue camp, as the distribution of benefits has still not been resolved.

Overall, the government’s policy speech served as a summary of what has been achieved or left undone during Srettha’s reign. It also highlighted weaknesses that need urgent attention.

The second phase of the Pheu Thai government, now led by Paetongtarn, is a crucial test for the party’s political future.

If key policies aimed at economic recovery and rebuilding public confidence fail, it could spell the beginning of the end for both Pheu Thai and the Shinawatra clan.