A war of words has erupted on social media between the Palang Pracharat party and its potential coalition partner, the Bhumjaithai party.
Palang Pracharat deputy spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana posted a message on his Facebook page on Sunday, apparently in response to Bhumjaithai party leader Anutin Charnvirakul’s posts.
Anutin’s post read “Ministries are meant for people to get to work, not for being traded. Period” and “Transport, Public Health, Tourism (portfolios) are not changeable.”
Thanakorn’s online reaction reads:
- “Ministries are meant to be a work place for people, not a work place for companies. Right!”
- “Ministries are meant to work for the people and, more importantly, not to be influenced by a company seeking (contractual) work. Right!”
- “Ministries are changeable if they work for the benefit of a company. Right!”
- “These ministries are not being traded, but the choice of a suitable minister must be such that there cannot be accusations that the appointment benefits a company.”
Bhumjaithai is firmly resisting Palang Pracharat’s demand for the return of the Transport Ministry, whereas the Democrats have made it clear the commerce and agriculture portfolios are promised to them and are not renegotiable.
Anutin owns a huge construction firm.
Palang Pracharat leader Uttama Savanayana and party secretary-general Sotirat Sontijirawong are expected to resume talks with the two potential coalition partners for the return of the three economically significant ministries in exchange for education and energy.
