Pheu Thai key strategist Phumtham Wechayachai said yesterday (Sept 10) party leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra had made it clear she would continue in her role as long as party members believed in her capabilities and retained confidence in her, reports the Bangkok Post.
He said that while the party remained confident about its electoral prospects, it needed to overhaul its internal structure to improve coordination and efficiency. Many senior figures had little time for party affairs while serving in government, he added.
"We will be working on party reforms to enhance coordination and internal systems to ensure readiness for the next election," he said.
Mr Phumtham added Pheu Thai was also prepared for the Sept 28 by-election in Si Sa Ket’s Constituency 5, called following the death of Pheu Thai MP Amorntep Sommai in June. When asked whether party heavyweights would join the campaign, he said he believed arrangements had already been made.
Responding to allegations made by the CSI LA Facebook page that Ms Paetongtarn’s close associates had exploited political connections for business gains, he said the matter should be handled by the justice system and Pheu Thai politicians were ready to face scrutiny.
Another Pheu Thai veteran, Prasert Jantararuangtong, said yesterday the party remained in good spirits despite the Supreme Court ordering former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, Paetongtarn’s father, to serve a one-year prison sentence.
He dismissed concerns about instability, noting that MPs remained united and that the party had always adapted its strategy in response to changing circumstances, with Ms Paetongtarn firmly at the helm.
Meanwhile, Assoc Prof Prinya Thaewanarumitkul, a lecturer at Thammasat University’s Faculty of Law, wrote on Facebook the ruling marked the first time the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions had scrutinised the Department of Corrections’ enforcement of a prison sentence.
He said the department would now face close examination, particularly as its officials were among those under investigation.