Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra Survives No-Confidence Vote

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra survives a no-confidence vote, with 319 lawmakers voting against her ouster. Despite facing scrutiny over her leadership and alleged influence from her father, she dismissed the accusations. Public approval remains lukewarm, according to a recent poll indicating over half of respondents are dissatisfied with her performance since August.

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra successfully navigated a no-confidence vote in parliament, marking a significant test of her leadership. The motion was defeated with a vote tally of 319 against 162 after a two-day intensive debate. Following the vote, Paetongtarn expressed her gratitude to lawmakers and shared her contentment with the outcome.

During the parliamentary debate, opposition lawmakers challenged her leadership and questioned her economic knowledge. They accused her government of being influenced by her father, Thaksin Shinawatra, a former leader with no official role in the current government. Paetongtarn firmly rejected these claims, asserting her independence from external influences.

Addressing the calls for her resignation, Paetongtarn acknowledged the right of individuals to demonstrate and vocalize their discontent, but maintained that her familial roles as a daughter and mother cannot be relinquished, emphasizing personal identity over political pressures. A recent poll from a government institute indicated that public approval of her performance since assuming office in August has been limited, with over half of respondents expressing dissatisfaction.

Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s survival of the parliamentary no-confidence vote highlights both her resilience as a leader and the ongoing scrutiny of her administration’s affiliation with her father, Thaksin. While she faces challenges in maintaining public support, her statements underscore a commitment to her roles beyond politics. Moving forward, addressing economic concerns may be vital for enhancing her administration’s image.

Original Source: www3.nhk.or.jp