Throwing Punches in the Corner – Anusit Style
PM Anusit dismisses critics as inexperienced while facing scrutiny over a 400 billion baht emergency loan, with opposition questioning whether 180 billion baht designated for a poor citizens card program should come from regular budgets ins
Prime Minister Anusit Chanyaveerakul has adopted a distinctive response pattern when facing various criticisms, typically dismissing critics as lacking knowledge and government management experience. This approach has surfaced regarding the 400 billion baht emergency loan decree, where the first 200 billion was allocated for relief under the "Thai Helping Thai" program. However, opposition investigation revealed that 180 billion baht within the details was designated for the Pracharath Fund to finance the poor citizens card—raising questions about whether such funding should come from regular budgets rather than emergency loans justified by urgent necessity, clearly violating financial discipline standards. Were another government facing complaints to independent agencies, they would likely face serious scrutiny and risk removal from office, as has repeatedly occurred. Yet for this government, Prime Minister Anusit countered by framing it as a matter of experienced practitioners versus inexperienced critics, insisting the 5-page 400 billion baht loan request reflects efficiency. However, society awaits clarification because this 400 billion baht loan will ultimately be repaid not by Anusit or the cabinet, but by Thai citizens nationwide, making expectations for transparent and efficient fund management entirely reasonable. Subsequently, nine advisors met with the Prime Minister regarding disaster prevention coordination with the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, which drew criticism from the Democrat Party regarding democratic principles with the monarchy as head of state. This prompted a heated rebuttal from Prime Minister Anusit, stating: "You don't even know how to manage a country, yet you dare criticize? This shows your lack of wisdom and maturity." This reflects confidence in 'country management' through 'Anusit style'—the belief that this is the correct and appropriate approach. Notably, whether this represents the secret to stable country governance remains to be seen. We'll have to watch and wait.
