Deputy PM Dismisses Social Media Protest Calls Against Government

Deputy Prime Minister Peeraphan Ratchakij criticized opposition parties on August 18 at Government House for opposing every government initiative without proper justification. He called on all Thais to evaluate proposed projects based on whether they benefit the country, rather than opposing everything reflexively. Peeraphan argued that poorly researched opposition ultimately harms the very causes protesters claim to champion.

Peeraphan noted that resistance to government projects comes from both opposition parties and NGOs, observing that Thailand faces an NGO trap where nearly any government action is challenged, even past cancelled projects like the land bridge. He urged Thais to think carefully about national interest rather than simply opposing or protesting everything.

Regarding the Jao Noi industrial estate revival and the second deep-sea port project in Songkhla, Peeraphan explained these are not new initiatives but were approved by the previous Prayut Chan-o-cha administration. He questioned whether protesters understood the reasoning behind moving the port, citing that the existing Laem Chabang facility has reached capacity and cannot accommodate deeper-draft vessels.

When asked about social media calls for protests at Government House, Peeraphan said demonstrators are welcome to come. He noted that the land bridge project has been cancelled and the Southern Economic Corridor programme suspended, adding that those wishing to sit in the Bangkok sun are free to do so. He acknowledged using strong language but said it was necessary given the circumstances.