Rumors Swirl Of Backup PM As Court Eyes Loan Decree

Rumors are circulating about a backup prime minister being prepared to take office, with the initial "S" mentioned. Realistically, if a change occurred through normal procedures, anyone becoming PM would need to be on the pre-election candidate list designated by their political party. The only "S" in the system is Sirikanya Tansakul of the Pheu Thai Party, which seems unlikely since the political power base is locked tight and cannot be from the orange-shirt party. These rumors therefore aim to stoke talk of an unconventional change, reaching to an economist and former Bank of Thailand governor, also with the initial "S." That also seems difficult and would require extraordinary methods. What's interesting is that the rumor likely connects to the Constitutional Court's scheduled ruling on July 9th on whether a 400-billion-baht emergency decree authorizing the Finance Ministry to borrow funds to address impacts from the energy crisis and facilitate energy transition violates the constitution. The petition for a court ruling came from 133 MPs, who argue that emergency decrees can only be issued when there is urgent, unavoidable necessity to protect national security, safety, economic stability, or prevent public disaster. Which way will the Constitutional Court rule, leading to intense speculation? This is why backup PM talk with the initial "S" has surfaced, aiming to shake Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's chair, who has been facing multiple challenges lately. However, government insiders remain confident that the Bhumjaithai backing remains strong. The Bhumjaithai faction confirms that the blue party's PM candidates are only "Anutin" and "Sirisak Poungkaetkao," citing the constitution which stipulates the PM must come only from each party's candidate list. No one else is possible. They're confident "Anutin" remains secure, or the backup is only "Sirisak." Meanwhile, the actual "S" in the PM candidate system—Sirikanya of the orange party—came out to clarify the situation, reiterating that any PM change must follow the constitution. According to the current PM candidate list, there is only Sirikanya as "S." She guarantees it's impossible because there's no party-switching scenario. Everyone must wait to see July 9th and how the emergency loan decree case plays out—whether it affects the PM's chair or not. However, rumors also reflect that at this moment the PM's chair is surrounded by strong winds from multiple directions, so one cannot be careless and must make every case involving accusations or allegations against the blue party crystal clear.