Pheu Thai Party Stands Independent on Budget Vote

On September 22, Arthakorn Siriratthayakorn, Chachoengsao member and spokesman for the Pheu Thai Party, responded to opposition coalition leader Prithiviraj Wattarosindhuthorn's proposal to remove Pheu Thai from the opposition bloc following disagreement over the 2025 fiscal budget bill vote.

Pheu Thai said it respects the coalition chairman's authority to make decisions about the opposition alliance's composition and affirmed its commitment to the process. Arthakorn stated that Pheu Thai members have consistently worked with the opposition coalition, despite occasional policy differences, and have cooperated with opposition activities throughout.

Pheu Thai's position is to address public problems through parliamentary procedures while maintaining its own identity. Voting decisions are based on content and national impact rather than political calculation. Regarding the budget vote, Arthakorn emphasized the real concern is whether delayed budget passage could disrupt government administration and public problem-solving, especially given ongoing economic challenges.

After the budget vote, the opposition coalition chairman expressed discomfort, and discussions followed about opposition operations and parliamentary question quotas. Pheu Thai agreed to forfeit its allocation of direct parliamentary questions to avoid scheduling conflicts or cooperation problems.

When asked about Pheu Thai's status, Arthakorn said the party maintains its own stance and working approach. While members continue attending opposition coalition meetings and cooperating, party decisions rest on impact assessment, not political positioning. "Pheu Thai MPs continue representing their constituents regardless of coalition status, and will keep pushing public problem-solving through parliamentary mechanisms," he said.