On June 16, Danuporn Punnakanta, list MP and spokesperson for the Pheu Thai Party, addressed the upcoming party MPs’ meeting on June 17, explaining it as a routine monthly gathering during the parliamentary recess. The meeting’s main agenda is to discuss public issues raised by MPs, such as agricultural concerns, flooding, drought, and other matters encountered in their constituencies, which will be compiled and forwarded to relevant ministries for resolution.
When asked whether the meeting would address recent comments by some Pheu Thai MPs suggesting that Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul should move to the opposition, Danuporn confirmed that this would be discussed. He noted that party elder Wisut Chainarun had already cautioned against such remarks on June 14, and emphasized that such comments were personal opinions, not party directives. He suggested that the MPs may have been expressing sentiments from party supporters, leading to emotionally charged statements.
Danuporn stressed that coalition etiquette is crucial and is strongly valued by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and all party leaders. Therefore, there will be internal reminders to MPs to avoid public comments that might suggest disunity within the coalition.
Regarding interactions with MPs from other coalition parties, Danuporn explained that due to the parliamentary recess, there have been no recent discussions, but such opportunities will arise when Parliament reconvenes.
On whether these comments could affect the coalition's stability, Danuporn admitted concern, but reiterated that the party leadership had not instructed anyone to call for Anutin's removal. If Bhumjaithai were to leave the coalition, the loss of over 70 seats would significantly impact parliamentary voting, particularly since many ministers are also MPs who must return to vote weekly. Every vote matters, he stressed.
Despite this, he expressed confidence that Prime Minister Paetongtarn will be able to mediate any rifts within the coalition and will discuss the matter with all coalition leaders. He added that there is no indication of a Cabinet reshuffle at this time, and any such decision would involve discussions with all coalition heads.