Bangkok: People’s Party MPs have accused Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra of compromising over the Akara gold mine case to form a government, while establishing a network under Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha to control the industry and absolving him of guilt. The MPs criticized the Prime Minister for not fulfilling her campaign promises and for allegedly prioritizing personal and political gains over national interests.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Itthiphon Choltharasiri, an MP for Khon Kaen from the Prachachon Party, voiced concerns about the handling of the Akara gold mine issue, which was previously under the leadership of Gen. Prayut. He criticized the Pheu Thai Party, including MPs Mr. Sutin Khlangsaeng, Dr. Cholanat Srikaew, and Ms. Jiraporn Sindhuphrai, for failing to hold Gen. Prayut accountable for alleged misconduct and for not keeping promises made while in opposition. Itthiphon accused the current government of being ineffective and failing to act on critical issues, leading to a loss of public trust.
Mr. Itthiphon highlighted four solutions proposed by the Pheu Thai Party while in opposition: prosecuting Gen. Prayut, advancing the arbitration ruling, stopping the transfer of national benefits to Kingsgate, and halting all cases against Kingsgate. He lamented that, despite being in power for two years, these actions had not been taken, comparing the government’s promises to “water that became a flood in the fields” upon taking office.
The debate intensified as Mr. Itthiphon accused the Pheu Thai government of utilizing individuals previously associated with Gen. Prayut’s administration, suggesting a lack of genuine reform. He pointed out the appointments of ministers who had previously criticized Gen. Prayut, including Mr. Suriya Juangroongruangkit, now Minister of Transport, as evidence of political compromise.
Mr. Plakorn Phimphanit, a Pheu Thai MP, raised concerns about the focus of the debate, while Mr. Paradorn Prasnanantakul, the Deputy Speaker, reminded MPs of their responsibility for their statements. The session saw multiple protests from MPs, including Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana, who argued that the discussion should focus on the current government rather than Gen. Prayut, whom he claimed remains an admired figure in Thailand.
The debate continued with Mr. Itthiphon questioning the government’s commitment to legal action against Gen. Prayut, suggesting that the lack of action was part of a political deal. He accused the government of prioritizing political alliances over national interests, leading to continued illegal exploitation of mineral resources.
Mr. Itthiphon concluded by questioning the integrity of Prime Minister Paethongtarn’s government, criticizing its failure to revoke mining licenses in protected areas and its inability to address the country’s economic challenges. He urged for a government that prioritizes national interests and upholds its promises to the public.