Heading Towards Ruin at Sea?
In the midst of Thailand's ongoing political crisis, the United Thai Nation (UTN) Party has maintained its position as a key, albeit embattled, coalition partner. Despite internal tensions and public dissatisfaction following a leaked audio clip involving Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the UTN Party has reaffirmed its commitment to the Pheu Thai-led administration.
The leaked phone call between PM Paetongtarn and Cambodia’s Senate President Hun Sen caused political fallout, leading to the Bhumjaithai Party’s exit from the coalition. This event put pressure on the UTN Party, with its faction members demanding the PM’s replacement or their departure from the coalition.
However, on June 24, 2025, the UTN Party officially confirmed its intention to remain in the coalition government. Party secretary-general Akanat Promphan acknowledged the difficulties but emphasized the fragile state of the country and the need for steady leadership amid crises such as border tensions and economic challenges.
Akanat likened the party’s decision to navigating a storm, indicating that abandoning the government now could cause greater instability. However, he also admitted uncertainty about regaining disillusioned supporters and noted that the Constitutional Court's pending decision on a petition to oust the prime minister could influence the situation.
Internally, the UTN Party is divided, with only about half of the MPs fully aligned with party leader Pirapan Salirathavibhaga’s faction. Reports suggest that the party may head towards disintegration after the next election due to the fallout from recent events and dissatisfaction among its supporters.
The UTN Party's stance reflects a reluctant but strategic choice to avoid triggering a broader parliamentary collapse or new elections, which would follow if the coalition dissolved entirely.
It's important to note that UTN secretary-general Akanat Promphan has made it clear that the party will remain part of the coalition, despite internal and external challenges. One faction of the UTN Party is reportedly being wooed to defect to a new outfit funded by an energy conglomerate.
Meanwhile, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, despite the Constitutional Court suspending her as prime minister, is expected to remain active in the new cabinet as the culture minister. The UTN Party's leader, Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, is known for inheriting the political DNA of former premier Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha.
The Interior Ministry, which oversees provincial administrations and controls a vast bureaucratic network, plays a central role in implementing policies and thus directly influences voter support. The UTN Party, with many coalition parties such as the Democrat Party and Chartthaipattana announcing they are staying put in the government, continues to hold significant influence in Thailand's political landscape.
In summary, the United Thai Nation Party remains a key but embattled coalition partner in Thailand’s current political crisis, caught between internal dissent, public backlash, and the need to maintain governmental stability. Its future is uncertain, pending judicial rulings and the evolving political landscape, with risks of fragmentation and loss of support ahead.
- The UTN Party, apart from its political crisis involvement, is also dedicated to education and self-development, offering skills training programs to its members for career development.
- In the midst of global news, including war and conflicts, economic challenges, car accidents, fires, and crimes, the UTN Party's dilemma has received significant attention in the policy and legislation sphere, with its decision affecting the broader Thai society.
- The UTN Party's job search efforts for its members have been impacted by its internal tensions and political fallout, making it challenging for them to find stable employment during these uncertain times.
- The Constitutional Court's pending decision on a petition to oust the prime minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, could influence not only the UTN Party's future but also the broader Thai political landscape, as it pertains to policy and legislation.
- The leaked phone call involving Paetongtarn and Cambodia’s Senate President Hun Sen has not only caused political fallout but also given rise to discussions about ethics, transparency, and the role of politics in a democratic nation.
- Despite the risks of crime and justice implications, some UTN Party members are reportedly being wooed to defect to a new political outfit, raising questions about loyalty, power struggles, and the future direction of the party.
