bannork

Just days ago he was living it up with Hun Sen, the dictator of Cambodia..

Gentlemen, this thread is about Thai politics, nothing to do with Western political leaders. There's a whole foreign news forum for that

Well worth reading

I disagree but I wish I didn't. The red shirt leaders/ activists were always aware of the criticism that they were just paid employees or followers of Thaksin who decided everything significant in PT. They justified their allegiance by saying the heart of the red shirt movement was democracy, advancing the public's interests, and, so long as Thaksin demonstrated democratic credentials, they would remain with him. Now that Thaksin has sided with the coup supporters, they really have no choice but to resign. Hopefully their red will gradually take on an orange tinge. But for the rank and file red shirts, those living on the breadline, politics may take a back seat to bread and butter issues. For them, handouts and a rise in living standards may be all that matters. I hope I'm wrong

It seems Pheu Thai seriously underestimated Move Forward as it appears the original cunning plan was to say, ' Look I've got a landslide victory. They, the people want me back, I want to come back, how about letting me come back and I'll make sure the peasants, I mean the people, don't get any funny ideas about reforming Thailand.' But the massive spoke in the works called MF, meant the uncles had to be included in the government too because Toni so much wants to come home. Now the plan looks more desperate than cunning because some of Toni"s fans are turning away and heading to the MF gigs. 'Never mind,' says Toni, ' We'll introduce our old tricks, populist policies, that'll keep the peasants happy.' Perhaps true but Toni's been away a long time, social media is ubiquitous all over Thailand, spilling into main TV stations daily And in Toni's soon to be formed government, there are several politicians and parties with deserved unsavoury reputations. It ain't gonna be easy Toni, but it sure as hell beats being a martyr! lol

I thought the deal was more likely to be that Thaksin pretends to choose Settha as PM candidate, then after Chuwit's attacks, senators have an excuse to reject him ( the rumblings the last few days). Then PPP propose Pravit, elected all round including by PT, as payback to allow Thaksin home, with Pravit himself acting as a reliable figurehead for the elite. On paper it's a win-win for the old order and Thaksin, supporting each other through mutual benefit, but lots could go wrong imo Clash of personalities, clash of benefits, some mutual loathing beneath the surface, plus public revulsion at the return of the dinosaurs embraced by PT, especially if MF are dissolved. Pass the sick bag yet again, Alice.

If they've been told to stay away because Settha is not the chosen one, they will.

Should have gone a long time ago with Jatupon when the latter realised Thaksin didn't have a democratic bone in his body

Words fail me

About time. Nattawut, one of the two most prominent red shirt leaders has left PT.

' No deal has been made before he returns' Paetongtan says She also said Thaksin's return had nothing to do with the proposed vote for Settha as PM. She also said prior the election that PT would never join with Pravit and Prayuth's parties.. Does she realise no one believes the nonsense she talks?

The OP has written for The Nation for years. He has to try and constantly come up with a new angle on current issues. Unfortunately, he often fails, as here

Yes, at the moment we can only speculate. For instance, if Thaksin does come back, what will be his conditions for release, both physically and politically. For instance, will he be remanded and then sent to a luxurious private hospital, citing health and age, a kind of suspended sentence, or will he be fully pardoned on day one? We'll soon know if he really comes back. And then political conditions. Surely the elite are going to force PT to adopt a conservative line regarding a new constitution. PT could override that by voting with MF but will Thaksin allow that? His hospital accommodation could be downgraded if PT get too liberal. Have to wait and see.

Have to disagree about high risks for MF. The dissolution case, accused of trying to destroy the monarchy. I read two lawyers' opinions on this and they both said the accusation is baseless. MF want to amend a criminal law, Article 112, diluting the penalties for transgressions, but under Thai constitutional law, the monarchy is inviolate. Constitutional law trumps criminal law ( apologies for using that word) therefore reform of a criminal law is no threat to the monarchy's position, enshrined under constitutional law. But TIT. Secondly , even if dissolved, the phoenix will rise from the ashes, just like MF arose from FF. There are plenty of able and bright Thais willing to carry the baton forward. For this new government, PT will push for populist policies to maintain the support of those that don't care about joining the junta boys. But it's unlikely to be a steady coalition, too many snouts in the trough, PT are outnumbered by Bhumjaithai, Pravit, Prayuth and a few others. Plenty of chance to rock the boat.

Got to report to the slammer first

Yes but not 21 times.

The claim by PT leaders that the jumping into bed with the uncles was necessary for public reconciliation, to let the country unite and move forward is logic truly full of holes. To achieve this, you kicked out the true move forwards, all 14 million of them! A nation united, indeed!

All to bring one man home. In the past red shirts were criticised by some for being devoted to Thaksin, why couldn't they lead their own movement. I remember Nattawut saying the heart of the red shirts was democracy, they would stay with Thaksin as long as he stuck to democratic principles. In truth there was no other party around that offered anything to civic movements. Well now there is.

Another PT MP going back on his word