Natthaphong Says Government Looks Strong But Is Internally Fragile
Opposition leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut says Prime Minister Anutin's government appears stable but is internally fragile due to competing interests within its coalition and vested networks.
BANGKOK — Opposition leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut has criticized the government led by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, saying it appears strong on the surface but is actually fragile due to networks of vested interests.
Speaking at 11:50 on April 26 at a hotel in Bang Na, Bangkok, the leader of the People's Party was asked whether the government could complete its full four-year term and what potential political "traps" could threaten its stability.
From the outside, Natthaphong said the administration appears to have stability across multiple fronts, with some analysts attributing its strength to influence over the Senate and independent organizations. However, he argued that beneath that image lies internal weakness.
"What makes this government fragile is that all the power groups tied together are driven by interests," he said.
He pointed to what he described as political factions absorbed into the Bhumjaithai Party, alleged misuse of power by independent agencies, business groups providing support, and bureaucrats benefiting from the so-called "blue government" network.
Natthaphong said these interconnected interests would become more visible during crises, citing recent tensions over an oil-related issue as an example that exposed underlying weaknesses. He also suggested that even technocratic ministers have been reluctant to criticize sensitive policies such as the land bridge project.
"In every crisis, this internal fragility will emerge. A government that looks strong will ultimately reveal its weaknesses," he said.
He added that it is the role of the opposition, including the People's Party, to show the public that such a system could make Thai society more fragile and eventually undermine the government's stability.
