Bangkok: Rangsiman Rome, a party-list MP for the Prachachon Party, has voiced his opinion amidst the ongoing political tension surrounding former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Rome suggested that Thaksin should allow his daughter, Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra, the current Prime Minister, to demonstrate her leadership abilities and vision independently, especially in addressing Thailand's drug issues. This comes amid rumors of Thaksin potentially fleeing the country ahead of a Supreme Court hearing.
According to Thai News Agency, Rome expressed concerns about Thaksin's involvement in public speeches on drug policy, a role he believes should be undertaken by Ms. Paethongtarn. He emphasized the importance of the Prime Minister stepping out of her father's shadow and presenting her own strategies and vision to the public. Rome criticized Thaksin's historical approach to the drug war and warned against repeating past mistakes.
Rome further questioned the lack of public communication from Ms. Paethongtarn and urged her to take the lead in addressing significant national issues. He suggested that Thaksin's continued public presence might undermine the Prime Minister's authority and credibility. Rome also raised concerns about the potential legal implications of Thaksin's actions and the perception that he is controlling Ms. Paethongtarn's political moves.
The MP highlighted the importance of Ms. Paethongtarn addressing the root causes of drug production, particularly from the Wa group, and urged her to leverage international platforms like ASEAN to address these transnational issues. He criticized the government for not providing enough space for Ms. Paethongtarn to express her vision and called for clear communication on government progress and policies.
Regarding the praise from Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim towards Thaksin, Rome dismissed it as typical diplomatic behavior and emphasized the need for the government to focus on gaining domestic trust and addressing Thailand's challenges. He also noted the ongoing political and legal pressures faced by the government, stemming from past events and unresolved issues.
Rome expressed concern over the potential dissolution of the House of Representatives due to budgetary issues and criticized the government's handling of the casino bill, which he believes could exacerbate the country's problems. He urged the government to prioritize transparency and public understanding to avoid further crises of confidence.
In closing, Rome urged the government to listen to the people's voices and warned against pushing controversial policies without public support, highlighting the risk of a political crisis if the government fails to address the concerns of its citizens.