Bangkok: Rangsiman Rome has criticized Pol. Col. Thawee Sodsong for sidelining Prime Minister Paethongtarn Shinawatra in favor of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to address the nation’s drug issues. According to Thai News Agency, Rome, a party-list MP from the Prachachon Party, expressed his concerns over Thawee’s decision to invite Thaksin for a lecture on ‘Drugs, Transnational Crime, Perspectives, and Challenges for Sustainable Problem Solving’ at the ONCB office on May 27.
The drug problem, being a critical and urgent issue, demands the government’s immediate attention, Rome emphasized. He highlighted the public’s anticipation to hear the current government’s plans to tackle drug-related challenges. However, Rome criticized the lack of visible leadership and vision from Prime Minister Paethongtarn Shinawatra, despite the Pheu Thai government’s prolonged tenure in power.
Rome argued that Thawee should have allowed the prime minister to articulate her vision, as she is the head of the government. Instead, by inviting Thaksin, Rome suggested that Thawee was undermining Prime Minister Paethongtarn’s authority, likening the situation to Thaksin acting as a de facto prime minister. This move, according to Rome, exacerbates the existing leadership issues surrounding Paethongtarn.
Reflecting on past policies, Rome acknowledged the detrimental impact of Thaksin’s drug policies, which led to severe consequences for many, including innocent individuals. He drew parallels to the violent drug war under Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, which resulted in numerous deaths and subsequent international scrutiny.
Rome also criticized the failure to address the root causes of drug trafficking, particularly targeting the Wa group, a major global drug syndicate. He argued that without effectively tackling such transnational criminals, the government’s efforts would remain insufficient. Concluding his remarks, Rome warned that if Thaksin’s methods were to be pursued again, Prime Minister Paethongtarn might be seen as following the controversial footsteps of Duterte.