Pheu Thai on the rocks

Failure to deliver, unpopular cabinet rejig and Thaksin’s meddling hit support, writes Aekarach Sattaburuth

- Aekarach Sattaburuth

nternal turmoil, lack of achievements and former prime minister Thaksin Shinwatra’s fading political brand have contributed to the ruling Pheu Thai Party's plummeting popularity, with its MP tally predicted to sink below 100 in the next election.

The party is going through one of its roughest patches, confronting a series of political challenges that have severely eroded its popularity.

It began with the release of the controversial “Uncle” audio clip, in which Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen was heard speaking with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

In the recording, Ms Paetongtarn criticised the commander of the Second Army Region and appeared overly willing to yield to the Cambodian strongman’s demands.

This sparked a public backlash and led to a court suspending Paetongtarn from her duties.

Compounding the problem is the government's lack of tangible achievements and failure to deliver results, which have further diminished Pheu Thai’s standing with the public.

INTERNAL DISCONTENT

A major concern lies with the party's northeastern stronghold, where it holds over 70 seats. Northeastern MPs have voiced growing dissatisfaction, especially after the recent cabinet reshuffle, in which they were largely left out of ministerial appointments.

Many MPs the region demanded to be given top positions to restore political credibility. Their demand has now been granted with Chalad Khamchuang, a Pheu Thai MP for Roi Et, approved by parliament last week as second deputy House speaker.

POPULARITY NOSEDIVES

A recent National Institute of Development Administration (Nida) Poll confirms the party's worst nightmares following the audio controversy.

Ms Paetongtarn’s approval tanked, from 44% to 11%, while the party’s overall support fell from 45% to just 15%. An overwhelming 42% of respondents believe Ms Paetongtarn should resign.

SHAKEUP BLUES