Bangkok: Political observer Thepthai Senpong has raised questions about potential discord within the Bhumjaithai Party, pointing out the risk of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, Supajee Suthamphan, being dismissed due to controversy surrounding her live-streaming sale of durian for 100 baht.
According to Thai News Agency, following the royal decree appointing the new "Anutin 2" cabinet, with Anutin Charnvirakul as Prime Minister, the allocation of ministerial positions to various political factions and parties was completed. However, some groups, particularly those from prominent political families, were left disappointed at not receiving the expected ministerial roles. To address this, other political positions were distributed as a form of consolation, with the cabinet approving a large number of political appointees, including advisors to the deputy prime minister, ministerial advisors, ministerial secretaries, and assistant ministers. Most appointees were former MPs who had not been elected, serving as a form of political consolation.
Reports indicate that within the Bhumjaithai Party, senior MP Natthachon Srikornguek from Songkhla province missed out on a committee chairmanship, with younger MPs surpassing him. This led to his withdrawal from the party's group chat, suggesting possible tensions within the party stemming from unresolved allocation of political positions.
Technocrat ministers, or those considered professional ministers, face higher social costs than typical politicians. Ministerial advisors and secretaries are also often appointed from outside the party, avoiding failed politicians and those appointed through political quotas due to concerns about trust and potential conflicts of interest. This creates an independent structure, distancing ministers from political factions within the party.
The situation illustrates that when political issues arise, ministers without strong party backing may lack support. For instance, Supajee Suthamphan faced criticism for her involvement in live-streaming durian sales, but received no support from MPs within her party. Instead, she has had to address the criticism personally through interviews and social media.
The working atmosphere within the government, particularly between outside professionals and professional politicians in the Bhumjaithai Party, appears to be increasingly problematic.