Bangkok: Wisut Chainarun, the government whip, expressed no surprise at the recent poll results showing Prime Minister Paethongtarn Shinawatra's popularity dropping to 5th place. He attributed the decline to a misunderstood conversation clip and emphasized that the new cabinet would work diligently to restore public confidence. Wisut assured that the coalition parties remain stable and dismissed the potential for conflicts leading to the dissolution of parliament. Additionally, he ridiculed the recent anti-government rally, noting the lack of public support for any incited coup.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Wisut Chainarun, an MP for the Pheu Thai Party list and Chairman of the Government Coalition Coordination Committee, addressed the Nida Poll results that placed Prime Minister Paethongtarn Shinawatra's popularity at 5th and the Pheu Thai Party at 3rd. He explained that the drop was due to a conversation clip between the Prime Minister and Samdech Hun Sen, President of the Cambodian Senate, which was misinterpreted by some as a diplomatic faux pas. However, he noted that many people in the provinces still supported the Prime Minister's performance. Wisut suggested that the poll results mirrored the immediate emotions of the public, which could shift positively once the government clarifies its position and actions. He emphasized that the new Cabinet's primary focus should be on addressing economic issues and improving citizens' livelihoods to bolster the party's and Prime Minister's popularity.
When questioned about the government's stability following a cabinet reshuffle, Wisut expressed confidence that the coalition parties would not succumb to pressure during this period of narrow support. He stressed the importance of utilizing parliamentary sessions as a platform for collaboration and problem-solving, warning that holding meetings outside the parliament could lead to issues with quorum counting. Wisut cautioned against any pressure that could lead to the dissolution of parliament or government failure, particularly before the fiscal year 2026 budget bill passes its third reading. He remained optimistic that the coalition parties would avoid conflicts escalating to the point of forcing the Prime Minister to dissolve parliament or resign.
Wisut also commented on the recent anti-government rally, noting the presence of familiar faces among the protesters. He criticized some leaders for advocating a coup, arguing that such outdated tactics would not resonate with the public. He remarked that even the opposition Prachachon Party did not support the idea of a coup. Wisut concluded by expressing skepticism about the rally's potential to incite significant change, reassuring that the general populace does not favor a coup.