Minister Warns Against Protest Movement Destabilizing Thailand
Thailand's natural resources minister warned against activist Sonthi Limthongkul's call to mobilize supporters, saying protest movements would set the country back 20 years and damage the investment climate that the government is working to
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchat Chomklin criticized activist Sonthi Limthongkul's call to mobilize supporters to reclaim the country, saying it is not a joking matter and would set Thailand back 20 years. He expressed confidence that the government will not be affected, as it came to power legitimately and without corruption.
Suchat said he became a lawmaker in 2011, during a period of multi-colored protest movements when the country was in serious turmoil. He argued that if Thailand returned to that state, people should decide whether they want to go back 20 years. He noted that Bhumjaithai Party has 5.2 million voters, while Pheu Thai has 4.6 million and the Democrat Party has 8.1 million. He questioned how the party could expect all voters to support it, saying it is both impossible and unrealistic.
Suchat stressed that the government must operate within the framework of law and democracy, accepting the voice of the majority. The Anuthon government was legitimately formed with the largest number of representatives, plus allied parties, holding more than half of parliament. He emphasized that everyone has one vote and people cannot control how others vote. If the government were replaced every time dissidents emerged, Thailand would need elections every year or every six months, so the government must be given the opportunity to work.
Regarding whether the movement would impact the government, Suchat said the real concern is the investment climate rather than corruption or serious administrative failures. While the prime minister and many ministers are traveling abroad to attract investors, Thailand's poor investment atmosphere from protest movements could undermine these efforts. He reflected on his past experience as a legislator during the no-confidence debate against former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, when he had to sleep at parliament and brush his teeth before voting. He asked whether such an atmosphere would return, emphasizing that this is not a matter of fun.
