Opposition Leader Hits Back at PM Over Minister Accountability
Pheu Thai opposition coordinator Prasit Wattharasindhul challenged the Senate's two-year track record in Parliament, questioning why fraud investigations remain stalled at the Election Commission and Department of Special Investigation whil
On July 7, 2025, at Parliament, Prasit Wattharasindhul, opposition list MP and deputy leader of the Pheu Thai Party, serving as coordinator of the opposition coalition, commented on the Senate's upcoming two-year performance statement. He questioned from whose perspective the Senate's achievements should be measured, noting that from the public's viewpoint, many would question why two years have passed since Senate selection without adequate progress on irregularity investigations that the public considers potentially fraudulent.
Prasit stated that the cases are currently stalled at two agencies: the Election Commission (EC), which will decide in early September whether to refer matters to court, and the Department of Special Investigation (DSI). He expressed concern that the DSI may be delaying consideration pending the EC's decision, and worried that a dismissal by the EC could become justification for DSI inaction. He called for both agencies to proceed vigorously.
Regarding the Senate's actual accomplishments, Prasit noted that from the blue regime's perspective, the most obvious Senate achievement—advancing appointments to independent bodies—has not benefited the public. He highlighted concern that most current senators are involved in Senate selection disputes, yet have appointed 4-7 EC members and 4-9 Ombudspersons, creating conflicts of interest as the Senate oversees the EC's investigation of itself.
When asked about Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's comment about "world-forgetting ministers," Prasit agreed such ministers exist but added that some ministers have accomplishments the world cannot forget—for negative reasons. He specifically criticized the Digital Economy minister's problematic TH-AI Passport initiative and questioned whether the Interior minister is adequately investigating corruption and pursuing masterminds rather than just operational-level officials.