Bangkok: The Prime Minister boasted that the government possesses a sufficient number of votes, and dismissed allegations regarding the purchase of cobras during a press conference. He expressed confusion over why there would be any need to buy additional votes when the government's current support is already ample.
According to Thai News Agency, Prime Minister Paethongtarn Shinawatra addressed the accusations made by Mr. Nattaphong Ruangpanyawut, a member of Parliament and leader of the Prachachon Party. Mr. Nattaphong had claimed that having a Prime Minister named Paethongtarn would result in shorter lives for Thai people. The Prime Minister dismissed these statements as mere rhetoric, emphasizing that the opposition's debate largely consisted of baseless arguments.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister expressed gratitude to the Cabinet for their support in the no-confidence debate and acknowledged the civil servants who prepared information for clarification. He provided further guidance on initiatives beneficial to the public, particularly concerning their livelihoods.
Addressing the People's Party MPs' claims of being contacted to buy votes, the Prime Minister questioned the authenticity of the chat messages. He asserted that no money had been exchanged and emphasized that the coalition parties had thoroughly discussed all matters prior to the no-confidence vote. He reiterated that the government's existing votes were more than sufficient, and if any vote-buying were necessary, it would be an unnecessary expenditure.
Concluding the press conference with a light-hearted remark to his ministers, the Prime Minister underlined the impracticality of purchasing more support, stating, 'We already have plenty. It would be a waste to buy more. It's common sense. Why would we buy more when we already have plenty? It's better to save money.'
Following the interview, he asked the minister present, 'Is it true? It doesn't make sense.'