Bangkok: Jurin Laksanawisit, a member of the Democrat Party, has delivered a critical assessment of the current government, labeling it as a “rat-in-a-bucket” government. This term highlights the government’s perceived advantages due to its significant financial resources and pre-existing policies that require minimal effort to implement. Jurin praised the involvement of outsiders in the cabinet, particularly Sihasak, who represented the government well at a UN forum. However, Jurin expressed concerns over the Prime Minister’s bold ministerial appointments, suggesting that the previous government was more cautious. He also offered a five-point mantra urging the government to avoid power abuse and interference in the justice system.
According to Thai News Agency, Jurin extended congratulations to Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on his appointment and the success of the “Quick Win” policy, which achieved its goals even before any formal announcements. Jurin pledged that he and the Democrat Party would serve as an objective opposition in the House of Representatives, ensuring government policies and administration are scrutinized without bias. He noted the government’s policies span seven pages and five sections, lacking specificity and being more akin to an ad hoc approach. Jurin pointed out the government’s acknowledgment of constraints such as time, budget limitations, and its status as a minority government.
Jurin remarked that the government cannot blame anyone for its challenges, as it chose its current path amidst political turmoil. He acknowledged that the Prime Minister, a businessman, likely calculated the trade-offs involved in leading a government with three major constraints. Jurin speculated that the government might last longer than anticipated, potentially extending beyond the initial four-month timeline due to factors like parliament dissolution and election processes.
He noted the government’s advantages and limitations, highlighting that the Prime Minister holds a position without having accepted any ministerial roles, akin to a “rat in a rice bin” with substantial ministerial seats to distribute. The government started with financial resources, including a surplus of 60 billion baht for fiscal year 2025, and had a ready-made policy framework from the constitutional authority, or MOA. Jurin emphasized that while the cabinet’s split between insiders and outsiders was well thought out, it caused some distraction, and he praised the Prime Minister’s bold appointments.
Jurin also highlighted national challenges, including economic, security, social threats, and natural disasters, while stressing corruption as a root problem. He addressed the constitutional amendment policy, indicating public preference for economic solutions over constitutional changes. Jurin questioned whether the government would support constitutional amendments that might affect the qualifications of high-ranking officials and ministers.
Regarding the Thai-Cambodian border issue, Jurin queried the government’s policy on reclaiming occupied border areas and how it would handle Cambodian casinos encroaching on Thai territory. He also raised concerns about falling prices of agricultural products like rice, palm oil, and rubber, urging the government to implement policies supporting farmers and rice mills.
Jurin refrained from criticizing the “Half-Half” policy, which aligns with the current economic situation, and urged the government to respond swiftly. He praised the government’s phased approach to economic measures, coinciding with the timeline for parliament dissolution and elections.
In conclusion, Jurin left the government with five mantras: to remain honest, avoid favoritism in civil service appointments, treat all regions equally regardless of political support, refrain from abusing power, and avoid interfering with the justice system. He emphasized that adherence to these principles would determine the government’s future success and relationship with the Thai people.