Political restructuring: Anutin's act of revenge before elections in Thailand?

Political restructuring: Anutin's act of revenge before elections in Thailand?

The political situation in Thailand is currently anything but stable. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who recently came into office after a turbulent government change, is now facing sharp criticism over a controversial reshuffle at the Interior Ministry. This reporting is by Bangkok Post comprehensively accompanied.

The changes, which affect more than 45 senior officials including several provincial governors, are being criticized as an act of revenge by the ruling Bhumjaithai Party (BJT) ahead of upcoming elections. Experts and opposition politicians agree: This restructuring is not seen as a necessary reform, but as a political game based on patronage. Pornamarin Promkerd, an expert at Khon Kaen University, described the measures as more politically motivated than a solution to real problems.

A chaos of responsibility in the Ministry of the Interior

What could such a move mean for Thailand's political landscape? Several governors recently appointed by the former Pheu Thai party will have to change positions after less than two weeks. Critics say such frequent changes undermine the continuity and morale of incumbents. Chiang Mai University professor Thanet Charoenmuang expressed concern about the intentions behind these transfers, which are intended to create the impression of positioning loyal officials in key provinces ahead of elections.

These restructurings became particularly explosive in the city of Chiang Mai, which was previously considered a Pheu Thai stronghold. The People's Party (PP), which lost influence in recent elections, increasingly sees the political turmoil as a battlefield. Lawmakers from Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Phuket sharply criticized the recent renaming, particularly given the ongoing PM2.5 haze crisis, which will be difficult to manage by a new, unknown governor. Phetcharat Maichomphu, MP from Chiang Mai, warns that this could affect efficiency in crisis management.

The government's official view

On the other hand, Phumtham Wechayachai, the deputy prime minister and interior minister, tried to justify the restructuring. Loud Nation of Thailand The action is not politically motivated, but part of efforts to combat drug problems and improve efficiency within the administration. He clarified that there is a list of civil servants who are not performing as expected and that underperformance will have consequences regardless of their political affiliation.

He stressed the need to judge officers on their performance and not on their loyalty. Phumtham specified that his decision was also based on experience in dealing with regional challenges such as floods and that evaluations should not be limited to just one region.

This political restructuring is part of a larger political chess game that has developed following the ouster of Paetongtarn Shinawatra. This removal, following a leaked phone call on the conflict-ridden border area between Thailand and Cambodia, has already set the stage for Anutin Charnvirakul, whose election as prime minister proves to be another sign of change in Thai politics, notes the Tagesspiegel.

The country now faces challenges ahead of new elections next year as Anutin must lead a minority government and vie for support from MPs. There doesn't seem to be an end to the political turmoil in sight yet.