The Decline of the Pheu Thai Party

My piece for Thai Enquirer:

“With respect, I must say that if the government is unable to answer my aforementioned questions, I will not be able to support this budget.” 

A threat issued by no lesser a figure than the leader of the opposition to the prime minister during the budget debate, but a threat also characteristic of the current state of Pheu Thai: without flair, unpublicized, and ultimately empty.

Sompong Amornvivat sits at the head of the largest party in parliament. In regular Westminster-style politics, this is a role that would yield him, at the very least, a highly visible bully pulpit from which he can challenge the government. 

That this is not the case is the result of both character and circumstance. 

Click here for the full piece.

(Cover image credits.)