In a significant political update from Thailand, Anusorn Aiemsa-ard, a member of the House of Representatives from the Pheu Thai Party, addressed recent developments following Anutin Charnvirakul, the Deputy Prime Minister and leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, apologizing to the Prime Minister over a controversial statement made by Chai Chanok Chidchob, the party's secretary-general. Chai had declared that the Bhumjaithai Party would not support the Entertainment Complex Bill in Parliament, raising concerns about potential conflicts within the coalition government.
Anusorn emphasized that Chai's comments were merely his personal opinion and did not reflect the party's official stance. "This issue should not be blown out of proportion or analyzed to the extent that it suggests the government might dissolve Parliament to resolve internal disputes within the Bhumjaithai Party," he stated. He reassured that the government still has two years left to focus on national development and problem-solving, asserting that there are no significant issues within the House of Representatives.
He expressed confidence in Prime Minister Phaethongthar Shinawatra's leadership, predicting that the government would successfully navigate the remaining term. Anusorn remarked, "The problem is not with the government or other coalition parties but rather with how the Bhumjaithai Party manages its internal disagreements. It is their right to handle their internal affairs." He firmly stated, "I can confirm that the government will serve its full four-year term. Whether there will be a Cabinet reshuffle or whether any party will continue depends on the Prime Minister's authority. If any party faces issues, it should resolve them internally."
When asked about the upcoming elections, Anusorn noted that it was too early to predict potential alliances. He emphasized that the Pheu Thai Party is currently focused on addressing the country's pressing issues, particularly the economic challenges exacerbated by the recent increase in import taxes by the United States. He mentioned the government's flagship policies, such as the digital wallet initiative aimed at stimulating the economy, and how their success could influence public trust in the party during the next election.
"We believe that if the government can successfully implement these flagship policies, we will gain significant trust from the people in the upcoming elections," Anusorn asserted. He added that the Pheu Thai Party would be inspecting local areas to gauge public sentiment regarding their policies, including the digital wallet project, which he believes will be well-received.
Meanwhile, on the financial front, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhawachira expressed confidence in Thailand's money market stability during a meeting on April 16, 2025, at the Ministry of Finance. He stated that he would discuss with the Governor of the Bank of Thailand (BOT) the impacts of recent U.S. tax measures on the Thai financial sector.
Pichai highlighted that Thailand's money market is relatively stable compared to other countries, noting that it does not have a debt crisis. "Thailand has a centralized management of funds through the BOT, and our management style is not overly aggressive," he explained. He pointed out that the government has not sold off dollars, indicating ongoing confidence in the U.S. economy.
When discussing the potential for the BOT to adjust interest rates in response to the current economic climate, Pichai stated that this remains under consideration. He remarked, "We are still assessing the situation. Even larger economies are grappling with whether to raise interest rates or not. Regarding currency intervention, that is not something we typically engage in; we prefer to let the market dictate."
Pichai reiterated that using the BOT's reserves is not on the table, as these funds are crucial for backing up import and export liquidity. He emphasized that any government initiatives would likely come through budget increases rather than depleting reserves. He noted that the recent U.S. measures have led to a slowdown in lending activity, as stakeholders are cautious and waiting for more clarity on significant developments.
In related news, AirAsia recently launched a new route connecting Phuket, Thailand, to Medan, Indonesia, enhancing regional travel options. The airline aims to attract tourists and bolster economic ties between the two countries.
As the political landscape evolves, both the Pheu Thai Party and the government are navigating challenges while attempting to maintain stability and public trust. With the next elections on the horizon, how these parties address internal conflicts and economic hurdles will be crucial in shaping Thailand's future.
