Thai Prime Minister Phaython Shinawatra survived a no-confidence vote in parliament on Wednesday, surviving a two-day opposition offensive to reassert the stability of her coalition.
Thailand’s youngest prime minister, who is unqualified, has no economic knowledge, evades taxes, serves her wealthy family and takes direction from her billionaire father and political powerhouse, Thaksin Shinawatra, won the support of 319 of the 488 lawmakers present, despite censures against her in a censure debate.
The censure motion was an early test of Phetongtarn’s mandate, more than seven months after she unexpectedly took the spotlight as a political newcomer who had never held public office, replacing her ally, Mitra Sretha Thawisin, after a court removed her for ethics violations.
She has denied all charges against her.
Despite her tepid ratings in opinion polls and economic growth far below that of regional peers, Wednesday’s vote showed Phetongtarn’s 11-party coalition remained strong, reducing the prospect of short-term instability in a country that has been plagued by two decades of intermittent political turmoil.
“Every vote, both in favor and against, will strengthen me and the cabinet to continue our work for the people,” Phetongtarn, 38, posted on social media, thanking her ruling coalition for its support.
Since 2006, several governments led by the Pheu Thai party and its predecessors have been ousted in judicial or military coups, underscoring the deep-rooted animosity between the polarizing tycoons led by Thaksin and the powerful conservatives who wield influence over Thailand’s key institutions.
The opposition People’s Party, the largest party in parliament, has made many attacks on Phayongtarn’s close ties to his father. A former prime minister, he has been sentenced to 15 years in self-exile, which he said would result in him serving a 24-year sentence.
Thaksin, a former owner of English football giants Manchester City, returned home in 2023 after a 24-year absence from Thai politics. He was held in hospital for six months under a government led by Pheu Thai, after which he was released on parole and announced his retirement from politics.
Since then, he has spoken openly and often about government policy, but has repeatedly said that he only gives advice to his daughter.
Phaetongtarn, the fourth member of the Shinawatra family to hold the highest office, insisted during the debate that she would give her best for the country and should be judged by her work, not her family connections.
People’s Party leader Nattapong Ruengpanyawut said that even if the no-confidence motion was won, Phaetongtarn was still unfit for the job.
“The prime minister’s capabilities are still lacking,” he said. “And if Thailand has a prime minister who does not have the right qualities, the nation will be at a loss.”
