Bangkok: Palang Pracharath Party spokesman Pol. Lt. Gen. Piya Tawichai has voiced concerns that Prime Minister Paethongtarn Shinawatra's policies are prolonging the conflict between Thailand and Cambodia, undermining national security and economic stability. The PPRP accuses the government of allowing illegal capital to infiltrate the economic system, neglecting the welfare of citizens and farmers, and highlighting weaknesses in governance.
According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Lt. Gen. Piya criticized the recent policies under Ms. Paethongtarn's administration, stating they lack tangible benefits for the nation, particularly in maintaining national security and territorial integrity. He cited historical tensions, referencing the MOU 44 agreement with Cambodia, which led to disputes over maritime resources and territorial claims such as Koh Kood. The spokesman highlighted the government's failure to assert a clear foreign policy or effectively reclaim rights over these areas.
Further escalating tensions, the spokesman noted the ongoing conflict over the Emerald Triangle, where Cambodian military forces allegedly encroached 150 meters into Thai territory. Despite military personnel from the Second Army Region taking action, the government has not publicly condemned Cambodia, a move seen as a weakness in handling the situation.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Piya accused Ms. Paethongtarn of prioritizing personal relationships over national interests, negotiating benefits for Cambodia and allegedly diminishing Thailand's sovereignty. He compared this to a past incident involving Thailand and Myanmar, where the government struggled to repatriate four arrested Thai fishermen. Contrastingly, Gen. Prawit Wongsuwan of the PPRP managed to negotiate their release.
The spokesman also criticized the government's handling of tourism and economic policies, claiming that the Paethongtarn administration has facilitated illegal business activities through poorly managed visa policies. These issues have reportedly led to financial exploitation, including zero-dollar tours and call center scams. Moreover, the government's push to open entertainment complexes is seen as a potential catalyst for money laundering and social issues, which the PPRP strongly opposes.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Piya asserted that the government has failed to address economic hardships, leading to declining agricultural product prices and increased unemployment. He accused the administration of not fulfilling campaign promises to boost the economy and improve agricultural profitability, leaving many citizens struggling.
The government has also been criticized for its fiscal management, borrowing an additional 500 billion baht to cover a budget deficit and implement a digital money distribution policy. This strategy, according to the PPRP, has not stimulated economic growth, leaving Thailand with the lowest growth rate in ASEAN, while household debt remains high.