In a heated session of the House of Representatives on March 25, 2025, P.T.O. Twee, the Minister of the Prime Minister's Office, addressed accusations from MP Rungsiman Rome regarding alleged improprieties in government appointments. With a firm demeanor, Twee defended the legitimacy of Rome’s role within the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, stating that it aligned with legal expectations under Section 14.
Twee responded directly to Rome's comments that questioned the transparency of government processes and insinuated corruption, emphasizing that such claims were unfounded. “I have a responsibility to ensure our ministry remains approachable and serves the public effectively. Criticism based on unfounded conjectures is not just disheartening but detrimental to progress,” Twee asserted.
During his remarks, Twee highlighted that Rome's position was critical for a functioning digital economy, underscoring his rightful contribution to national progress. “Despite doubts about the legitimacy of such appointments, this is the authority vested in the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society. Let us not confuse this with impropriety,” he added.
The exchange unfolded as part of ongoing scrutiny within parliamentary proceedings, wherein Rungsiman, a member of the opposition party, raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest and questioned whether Rome’s appointment served the public good. However, Twee urged refraining from sensationalizing these discussions, stressing the importance of transparency and accountability in governance to uphold public trust.
Further Addressing Rumors
Amid the accusations swirling in the political arena, Twee took a moment to clarify misunderstandings surrounding the ongoing narrative about former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. He specifically refuted any claims linking Thaksin’s judicial circumstances with family privilege, stating, “Thaksin’s return and activities were aligned with due legal process and had no bearings on subsequent appointments or actions within the government.” This was in direct response to opposition narratives suggesting collusion.
In this context, Twee elaborated, “The transparency of operations in our Ministry is paramount, and each step taken is documented and justified under current laws. Mischaracterizing facts only serves to undermine public confidence in our institutions.”
Highlighting the significance of legal integrity within the parliamentary discourse, he reiterated that processes involving Thaksin were handled strictly following established constitutional rights and legal obligations. “Thaksin received the royal pardon on August 31, 2023. At that point in time, Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra had not been sworn in as Prime Minister. Any allegation implying otherwise lacks basis and is purely speculative,” Twee stressed, which drew attention to distinguishing fact from fiction in political discussions.
Clarification and Transparency
Moreover, Twee responded to questions regarding Thaksin's health during his imprisonment. Many questioned the decisions related to his hospitalization, and Twee expressed, “The health of any person, especially those under our care, is of utmost priority. Thai law asserts that individuals must be afforded adequate medical treatment, particularly in correctional facilities. Allegations posing as barriers to humane principles should be closely examined for integrity,” emphasizing that the Ministry acts within lawful confines even under scrutiny.
The emphasis on lawfulness wasn’t lost on the opposition members present. Twee challenged them to offer more than hypothetical narratives. “Let us not engage in conjecture regarding the treatment of individuals under medical care. The law must and will guide our actions to ensure fairness,” he insisted.
As the session progressed, Twee mentioned the professional standing of the Department of Corrections’ director, surmising, “It must be noted that the Director of the Corrections Department is a professional who operates independently of external influences. Assertions suggesting personal connections to Thaksin, from the opposition, only aim to destabilize the very establishments we work hard to uphold.”
This emphasis on professionalism extended to comments regarding professional standards in healthcare. Twee stated, “The medical board responsible for Thaksin’s treatment, which includes assessments on whether he can return to prison, abides strictly by medical ethics without regard for personal affiliations or external ridicule.”
The confrontation underscores a larger narrative of accountability in Thai politics, revealing how party lines can often distort public narratives. While questions about transparency linger, Twee’s insistence on lawful governance aims to navigate these waters responsibly. By affirming institutional integrity and unwavering adherence to legal frameworks, the minister attempts to reassure a concerned public.
Conclusion of the Session
In closing, Twee’s firm stance articulated throughout the session reflected broader concerns regarding governance and the societal implications of alleged misinformation circulating about public officials. “When allegations are thrown around without foundation, the damage extends far beyond mere discourse; it undermines the confidence citizens have in our state,” he noted fervently.
As Thai political discourse continues to evolve, the importance of clear communication and adherence to constitutional provisions reflects a nation grappling with its narrative. The ongoing discussions emphasize the necessity for transparency not only to uphold trust but to ensure that the essence of justice prevails in governance.
This session serves as a reminder that the challenges facing today’s political landscape require firm responses rooted in facts, bolstering the need for accountability as a core principle of public service.
