Democrat Leader Backs Shinawatra Family's ASEAN Diplomacy
Democrat leader Nattapong Ruangpanyawut backs the Shinawatra family's ASEAN diplomacy efforts while pressing the Prime Minister to address a shrimp disease crisis affecting Thai farmers more decisively.
At Parliament on July 11, 2025, Nattapong Ruangpanyawut, a Democrat Party list MP and party leader, addressed the visits by three former prime ministers from the Shinawatra family—Thaksin Shinawatra, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, and Yingluck Shinawatra—to meet with ASEAN leaders, questioning whether these trips carry political implications.
Nattapong stated that the Prime Minister should answer questions about this matter most directly. He noted that while communications have focused on the shrimp export problem with Malaysia, the government's response has been slow. Since shadow cabinet meetings, he warned that delays in resolving this issue would harm shrimp farmers, as infected ponds die entirely within one to two weeks.
When pressed on the political significance of the Shinawatra family's diplomatic activities, Nattapong said the public should judge whether there are political motives. He emphasized that any past or current politician conducting negotiations to benefit the country is doing something good. However, he stressed that the incumbent Prime Minister should act more actively and decisively while in office.
Nattapong also called for the Prime Minister to fulfill parliamentary responsibilities by answering urgent questions in live parliamentary sessions held on Thursdays, which he described as a basic duty of the office.
Regarding whether the Shinawatra family's movements threaten the government, Nattapong said it depends on whether citizens benefit from the activities. If they do, there should be no downsides. As the opposition, the focus should remain on whether the government, particularly the Prime Minister, acts quickly enough to solve problems for the people.
