Paetongtarn Shinawatra, leader of the Pheu Thai Party and deputy chair of the National Soft Power Strategy Committee, has had her plan for the upcoming Songkran holiday questioned. She wants to fly to Hong Kong with her family instead of staying in Thailand.
Former red-shirt movement leader Jatuporn Prompan questioned her intentions on Wednesday as she is one of the key people pushing Thailand's soft power after the National Soft Power Strategy Committee announced it would organise a big celebration this month as the Songkran festival was listed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage item by Unesco in December.
"The government has encouraged foreign tourists around the world to travel to Thailand to celebrate the Songkran festival. But you will go abroad during the occasion. Why do you [Ms Paetongtarn] do this? I do not understand her thinking," said Mr Jatuporn.
"She acts like she does not care about anything. She should show more responsibility than this," he said, adding the Hong Kong trip should be arranged after April 21.
Mr Jatuporn on Wednesday appeared on his Facebook Live to point out the problems with the government's promotional plan, which created confusion among tourists who thought Thailand would be hosting Songkran festivities from April 1 to 21.
Last week, government spokesman Chai Watcharonke said that although the Maha Songkran World Water Festival runs through these dates, activities are not being held simultaneously in every province.
Dr Surapong Suebwonglee, secretary of the National Soft Power Strategy Committee, said it could not push for such a large festival this year due to budgetary and time limitations.
He said more time and funding was needed and that the event would be bigger next year.
The Maha Songkran World Water Festival in Bangkok, organised by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, runs from April 11-15 on Ratchadamnoen Klang Avenue and Sanam Luang.
Jatuporn Prompan