"Mai-Sirikanya" denies the initial "S." as backup prime minister, asserting that if true, it would require a massive party-switching phenomenon, and sharply criticizes Thai politics as lacking anyone with a sense of shame.
On 3 July 2026, Ms. Sirikanya Tansakul, deputy leader of the People's Party, posted about circulating rumors of a "backup prime minister initialed S.", saying, "As the only S. on the prime minister candidate list, I deny it is me."
Ms. Sirikanya stated that the rumor is likely just gossip because if it were true, it would involve a "massive party-switching phenomenon." She added that those spreading the rumor may not have studied the 2017 constitution, which clearly prohibits nominating anyone outside the party's original prime minister candidate list unless the process goes all the way through.
When asked about the cause of the leadership change rumors, Ms. Sirikanya analyzed that it probably stems from internal conflicts within the coalition leading party rather than the failure of key legislation. She said that if a royal decree on loans or other crucial laws failed, political resignation or accountability would require a high level of shame—something rarely seen in Thai politics when a prime minister resigns due to political mistakes.
However, Ms. Sirikanya noted that signs of coalition conflict over the budget are significant, as some coalition parties faced substantial budget cuts without opportunities to amend details due to the accelerated budget calendar. Such dissatisfaction could lead to political changes, but definitely not as an expression of political accountability.
Additionally, Ms. Sirikanya revealed that the opposition People's Party's shadow cabinet meeting on 8 July will address several important issues, especially "corruption in local civil service exams," and will work on recommendations to close loopholes and reduce future opportunities for corruption in local personnel administration.