It's time for Paetongtarn to step up

As the country faces severe economic difficulties, it requires a stable government and a leader with strong competency and well-roundedness — qualifications that Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra needs to acquire more of.

- Chairith Yonpiam

Months into office, Ms Paetongtarn, the youngest daughter of Thaksin, is showing that the criticism of her as a puppet leader rings true. Some describe her as an “intern prime minister” And it's her father who holds the real power.

However, Thaksin is now crippled with the “14th floor” saga — allegations that he unjustifiably prolonged his hospital stay to evade spending time in jail. The case is with the Supreme Court, which will start its inquiry on June 13. A probe by the Medical Council of Thailand, which found that Thaksin was not in critical condition as claimed, is a disadvantage for him.

In fact, the trouble for Thaksin involving the controversy over his “privileged” stay on the 14th floor of the hospital is seen as merely a slap on the wrist by the old guard, as they want to ensure the alleged de facto leader of the ruling Pheu Thai Party stays in line.