At 1:15 PM on June 23 at Parliament, Ms. Sirikanya Tansakun, a list MP and deputy leader of the Prachachon Party (PCP), spoke about the current state of the coalition government and potential "cobras" (renegade MPs), particularly from the opposition. She said the situation remains highly uncertain, and previous assumptions of a strong alliance might not hold up if individual party members are consulted. The first real test will come when the House of Representatives convenes and votes on key legislation, which will reveal the true balance of power.
Ms. Sirikanya noted that Parliament is scheduled to reconvene on July 3 to consider important bills, including the Integrated Entertainment Complex Act. However, there’s still no clear signal on whether this bill will be deliberated first, as originally planned, or withdrawn. It also remains unclear whether the coalition will stay united when the national budget bill for FY2026 is reviewed in the second and third readings in early September.
On the issue of "cobras" within the PCP, she said such rumors have circulated for over a year, even before the dissolution of the Move Forward Party, but no actual defection occurred despite several opportunities, such as during the party’s dissolution. She questioned whether these claims are just political bluffing.
Regarding the new Cabinet line-up, Sirikanya criticized it as a game of musical chairs rather than an effort to appoint knowledgeable professionals. For instance, she noted that while farmers face low crop prices and income issues, the new Commerce Minister does not inspire confidence. The Education Minister-designate might seem qualified, but still appears to be part of a political family network rather than a subject-matter expert.
When asked whether the new Cabinet inspires hope or despair, she replied, "Still despairing—continuing to be in despair."
Following the Bhumjaithai Party's withdrawal from the coalition, she said there hasn't been serious dialogue with opposition leaders yet. Only Mr. Paradorn Prisananantakul, MP for Ang Thong, has made informal contact. Official discussions are expected after the opposition leader returns from an overseas trip.
As for the Integrated Entertainment Complex bill, Sirikanya reaffirmed her party’s stance to oppose it unless prerequisites—like impact assessments and money-laundering laws—are addressed. She said the government has failed to take these necessary steps.
Finally, regarding a potential no-confidence debate over the leaked audio clip involving the Prime Minister and Hun Sen, she confirmed internal discussions are ongoing. However, no decision has been made, and any move will depend on the political landscape and the outcome of key votes.