New Thai PM Paetongtarn denies father Thaksin ordered end of digital wallet scheme

BANGKOK – Newly appointed Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has denied that her father Thaksin Shinawatra told her to terminate the controversial digital wallet scheme.

During a question-and-answer session at the Voice Space building in Bangkok where she received a royal command appointing her as the new PM, Ms Paetongtarn said it was not true as reported that Thaksin had ordered her new government to discontinue the digital wallet handout programme.

She said that her father had no authority over her government but added that since he “is a person respected by many, I may seek his advice, depending on his expertise”.

Ms Paetongtarn said Thaksin simply advised her to seek more opinions on the controversial digital wallet scheme, in which the previous government of Mr Srettha Thavisin planned to hand out 10,000 baht (S$380) each to some 45 million eligible recipients.

“The digital wallet scheme is a project we intend to use as a major economic stimulus,” Ms Paetongtarn said.

“We used the project as a campaign policy. We have thought it through well and, during the past year, many incidents have happened and the economic situation has changed, so we need to listen to more opinions. It will be in line with the financial discipline Act.”

Ms Paetongtarn also denied that her government would be dictated to or influenced by her father.

“It won’t be dominated (by Thaksin) because everybody has his or her view. We simply consult and respect each other’s views. Eventually, we’ll realise our role and I must be myself. Of course, opinions from family and the persons I respect will play an important role,” she said.

She added that Thaksin did not want any post in the government, but said it would be best for him to use his vision to help the country without causing her government to be in legal trouble.

When a reporter asked her to confirm reports that her father had ordered her to leave the Wongsuwan family out of her Cabinet, Ms Paetongtarn denied the report.

“Honestly, I have never heard dad saying (that),” she replied.

She added that it would be too soon to talk about her Cabinet line-up, as she had not yet discussed it with her coalition partners.

She said she realised some resented that she rode to the premiership thanks to the clout wielded by her father, and that she was too young and inexperienced to run the country. She added that she would do her best by coordinating with coalition partners, and would respect the competence of others and seek advice from experienced people.

“I really believe no one will be able to achieve major work on her own alone,” Ms Paetongtarn said.

Asked whether she feared her government would face a coup like those of her father and her aunt Yingluck Shinawatra and be hit with lawsuits later, she replied: “No one wants to face that. Dad and my aunt didn’t want it that way. I intend to undertake my responsibility to the best.”

Ms Paetongtarn added that it was just a coincidence her father got a royal pardon to end his jail term when she received a royal command to appoint her as prime minister.

“I consider it the highest honour for dad to receive the royal pardon. Now, I and the family appreciate the highest royal kindness,” Ms Paetongtarn said as MPs from her Pheu Thai Party and caretaker ministers applauded.

When a foreign reporter asked about her government’s policies, Ms Paetongtarn replied that she would continue the policies of former prime minister Srettha Thavisin and would try to create confidence in the country among the international community.

She also said she would seek advice from Thaksin in accordance with his experience and expertise.

At the end of the press conference, Ms Paetongtarn walked over to Mr Srettha, who was standing among the caretaker ministers, and made a sign of a fist touching Mr Srettha’s fist.

She excused herself to leave the press-conference room at 11.50am.

As she was leaving, reporters shouted to ask whether her Cabinet list would be completed this week. Ms Paetongtarn said: “No more interviews.”

Meanwhile, sources said Ms Paetongtarn’s team was expected to meet on Aug 19 on the Cabinet list and preparations for the government’s work. THE NATION/ASIA NEWS NETWORK