Thailand's youngest Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra overcomes no-confidence vote

On March 26, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra survived a vote of no confidence in the National Assembly , after a no-confidence debate on the Prime Minister held two days earlier.

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. (Source: Reuters)

According to Reuters , Ms. Paetongtarn received the support of 319 out of 488 lawmakers present at the first no-confidence debate since she became the youngest female Prime Minister in Thailand's history in August 2024.

The debate was held under Section 151 of the 2017 Constitution, which allows opposition members to question the Prime Minister and on various issues.

During the debate, Prime Minister Paetongtarn responded to the Khao Kradong land dispute in Buriram province, a long-standing case involving the Land Department, the state-owned Railway of Thailand and local residents. She assured the House that the case is being strictly followed according to legal procedures.

Stressing justice and social harmony, Ms Paetongtarn called on the public to be patient while the process takes place and stated that no cuts or interference will be allowed, ensuring fairness for all parties involved.

The Prime Minister also addressed allegations regarding her family's past involvement in the Alpine Golf Club land deal, saying the transaction took place decades ago through a legally recognised corporate acquisition when she was just 11 years old, and therefore had no role or influence in the matter.

All land acquisitions had valid title deeds and were carried out within Thai property laws, she said.

On financial and tax matters, the Prime Minister, through her adviser Jirayu Huangsap, confirmed that she has fully complied with the regulations on asset disclosure. She has submitted all required documents to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) since taking office and continues to cooperate with the verification process.

Referring to previous family business transactions, she explained the use of legally stamped promissory notes during the 2016 share restructuring. These promissory notes represented deferred payments between adult family members. Since the payments had not yet been finalized, the corresponding tax obligations were not immediately payable, but all debts had been disclosed and would be settled according to law.

The Prime Minister dismissed speculation about the misuse of financial instruments, insisting that all transactions were properly conducted and transparently reported in her asset declarations. She also reaffirmed the government ’s commitment to transparency, due process and responsible governance.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/thu-tuong-tre-nhat-lich-su-thai-lan-paetongtarn-shinawatra-vuot-qua-ai-bat-tin-nhiem-308896.html