Somkid Cheuakong, a former Pheu Thai MP for Ubon Ratchathani and former deputy secretary-general to the prime minister, has sharply criticised Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, saying the country's leader should not be such a divisive figure.
His remarks came after Mr Anutin suggested that if he were to debate the opposition over issues that had damaged the country, including Thai-Cambodian border incidents leading to injuries and loss of life among soldiers and civilians, the opposition would not be able to withstand such scrutiny.
Mr Somkid said he was astonished by the comment, describing it as narrow-minded.
"Debating the government is the duty of the people's representatives. A prime minister must listen. If the opposition files a no-confidence debate, the government must first hear what the issues are.
"Even the Khao Kradong [alleged land encroachment case involving the ruling Bhumjaithai Party], is already difficult for Mr Anutin to answer. So he should not be defensive and should wait to hear what the opposition raises. There are many issues they can bring up," he said.
Addressing Mr Anutin's claim that being removed from the Interior Ministry by former prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra prior to a previous cabinet reshuffle was a matter of karma, Mr Somkid countered that it was about performance.
"For nearly two years as interior minister, what did Mr Anutin actually achieve? Did he make progress in tackling narcotics? Did he address the scandals in the ministry?
"People have not seen tangible results. By contrast, when Phumtham Wechayachai served as interior minister for just two months, his work was clearly felt by the people -- unlike Mr Anutin's two years in the office," Mr Somkid stated.
He also criticised Mr Anutin's conduct while recently touring the provinces before officially taking his oath of office as prime minister.
"He mobilised civil servants across the province to welcome him, then claimed he was there as a party leader. But he is also the prime minister.
"He knows very well what he can and cannot do. The public is watching closely. The role of a prime minister is to govern the country, not to mock, sneer, or sow division as Mr Anutin is doing now," Mr Somkid warned.