Crisis of governance

Lack of a defence minister compounding govt problems, write Mongkol Bangprapa and Aekarach Sattaburuth

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As tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border continue, the Pheu Thai-led government faces one of its most pressing internal crises in recent memory. Thailand finds itself in a state of “headless” governance, with both the premiership and the defence portfolio effectively leaderless at a time when national security requires coherent direction.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been suspended from duty following a Constitutional Court order that she cease performing her role pending a ruling on serious ethics charges. The case stems from her leaked conversation with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen, with the court set to deliver its verdict on Aug 29.

The defence minister’s post remains vacant after the cabinet reshuffle, with only Deputy Defence Minister Gen Nattaphon Narkphanit as caretaker. Observers see the lack of leadership as a strategic weakness, leaving Thailand in a reactive posture rather than one where it can take the initiative in both security and diplomacy.

BARGAINING OVER A JOB

Analysts suggest the decision not to appoint a full defence minister is the product of complex political bargaining. Asst Prof Wanwichit Boonprong, of Rangsit University, told the Bangkok Post the post is tied up in intra-coalition negotiations over ministerial quotas.

Gen Nattaphon holds the position under the quota of the United Thai Nation Party, while attempts by Pheu Thai to install its own nominee risk perceptions of partiality in a domain as sensitive as national security.

Asst Prof Wanwichit calls the portfolio a political “hot potato’, unattractive to many senior officers wary of jeopardising their careers by becoming too closely associated with Pheu Thai’s embattled government. “Reports suggest a senior general, soon to complete the two-year constitutional cooling-off period following his previous Senate service, may be considered for the role after Sept 30,” he said.