Thai journalists dub Paetongtarn government ‘pampered by dad’

BANGKOK (The Nation Thailand/ANN): Journalists in Thailand have dubbed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s administration as “the government pampered by dad”.

As part of a long-held annual tradition, reporters covering Government House convened on Dec 23 to evaluate how the government and specific Cabinet members were perceived by the public over the past year and to assign them nicknames accordingly.

The nickname for Paetongtarn’s administration reflects public perception that former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has shown immense affection and support for his youngest daughter, even before her government was formed.

Reporters noted that Thaksin has provided care and guidance, paving the way for Paetongtarn to rise to power as prime minister.

Thaksin’s open involvement in providing advice to his daughter gave rise to the sarcastic phrase, “Father thinks, daughter does”, a parody of Thaksin’s past slogan as leader of the Thai Rak Thai Party: “Thaksin thinks, Thai Rak Thai implements.”

The nickname also stems from reports that Thaksin has exerted influence over the coalition government by hosting political leaders for meetings at his Chan Song Lar residence during its formation.

PM: Scripted Paetongtarn

The prime minister’s nickname, “Paetong Phoi”, combines the first two syllables of her name with the Thai word Phoi, meaning “scripts”.

Reporters chose this nickname because Ms Paetongtarn was often seen reading from her iPad during bilateral meetings with foreign leaders and public appearances.

Critics on social media said relying on an iPad in such settings was improper.

Paetongtarn, however, dismissed the criticism, asserting that it was an acceptable practice.

She even showcased her iPad during a recent Asean summit and used it during flood relief efforts in the North.

Phumtham: Comrade Yai wears boots

First Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai earned the nickname “Comrade Yai Wears Boots”.

The moniker references his past as a Communist Party member under the alias “Comrade Yai” and his current role as defence minister, symbolically aligning him with the military establishment’s historical adversaries.

Anutin: Obstructing Phumjaithai

Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul received the nickname “Phumjai Kwang”, meaning “obstructing Bhumjaithai”.

The name critiques his party’s frequent opposition to key Bills proposed by the Pheu Thai-led coalition, despite his earlier commitment to working collaboratively.

Notable instances include Bhumjaithai’s votes against a coup-prevention Bill and a public referendum Bill proposed by Pheu Thai.

Pirapan: Failed Pirapan

Energy Minister and United Thai Nation Party (UTNP) leader Pirapan Salirathavibhaga was dubbed “Pira Pung”, or “Failed Pirapan”.

Reporters cited his failure to deliver on promises, particularly his pledge to amend laws regulating petrol prices.

The UTNP’s lack of significant achievements under his leadership further fuelled this perception.

Tawee: VIP justice minister

Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong was nicknamed “TaVIP”, a play on his name and the term “VIP”, reflecting alleged preferential treatment for Thaksin during his incarceration.

Tawee is believed to have facilitated Thaksin’s stay in a VIP room at the Police General Hospital instead of prison and expedited his parole after six months.

Chalermchai: Limping Democrat

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Chalermchai Sri-on, leader of the Democrat Party, was called “Prachati Pe”, or “Limping Democrat”.

The nickname critiques his decision to join the Pheu Thai-led coalition, perceived as a departure from the Democrat Party’s traditional ideology.

Akanat: Citing Nation to Join Pheu Thai

Industry Minister Akanat Promphan was given the nickname “Ruam Thai Ang Chart”, or “Citing Nation to Join Pheu Thai”.

The name satirises his justification for cooperating with the Shinawatra family, claiming it was in the nation’s best interest.

Jiraporn: JiraPaul

PM’s Office Minister Jiraporn Sindhuprai earned the nickname “JiraPaul”, referencing the alleged pyramid scheme operator Warathaphon “Boss Paul” Waratyaworrakul.

Reporters said Ms Jiraporn’s prominence rose primarily due to her handling of The iCon Group case.

Three forgotten ministers

Reporters also highlighted three low-profile Cabinet members as “forgotten ministers”: Deputy Commerce Minister Suchart Chomklin, Education Minister Permpoon Chidchob, and Deputy Commerce Minister Napinthorn Srisanpang.

They criticised the trio for their lack of noteworthy achievements in the past year.

Words of the Year: ‘My husband is a southerner’

The phrase “My husband is a southerner” was voted Words of the Year.

Paetongtarn used the phrase to defend herself against accusations of neglecting southern flood victims.

The statement was widely criticised for being illogical, prompting her to later visit southern provinces to quell the backlash. — THE NATION/ASIA NEWS NETWORK