Eric Loh

History seem to repeat whenever PT form the government. Thaksin’s took over a post 1997 financial meltdown with a big IMF loan overhang in midst of massive unemployment, capitulation of the property industry, SMEs in financial trouble, dwindling of FDI etc. The current economic chronic conditions look similar. No cakewalk for K Sretha and his cabinet. They got the work all cut up to revive the economy and the people want to see quick results that could alleviate their immediate financial problems. I sincerely think that Sretha is the kind of person with the right experience and temperament to be able to steer the economy in the right path Thaksin will be a tremendous aid to him in terms of advise and feedbacks.

Agree on your insertion but still better than a post coup military government. Perhaps a small but significant step for the democratic process.

Or he is looking at securing the rising energy demand for Thailand as the largest investor in Laos power generation sector.

Without the powers that backed them and major reshuffling of military appointments, they now are the “Eastern Pussies”.

The fallout with Prawit must be worse than reported by media with his no-show at his last cabinet meeting.

Surprises me that the 36 cabinet positions from 6 parties were finalized in just 4 days. The speculation of prolonged negotiation for positions among the 6 parties didn’t occurred. In comparison with Prayut’s cabinet from the coalition of parties coerced together by the junta took 6 days from day Prayut got his royal command. I hope it will mean a willingness to work together for the nation and a new political future with less chaos and colour division. ????

His task is made easier with Prayut agreeing to downsize all 3 branches of the armed forces and cut the number of generals in half. https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/politics/pm-says-military-to-downsize-halve-number-of-generals

PT will pay the price if the election is held today or even tomorrow.

If Sutin indeed became the defence minister, that can be considered as a mini coup against the military parties who wanted Gen Nattaphon. A civilian as defence minister is a significant transition away from the decade of Generals as defense minister whose policies tend to align with the military.

For non represented party that only got 0.27% and 0.26% votes for party-list and seats, their petition don't represent most of the people opinion.

As opposition leader, Pita has the right to ask lead question to ministers on policies, bills and motions. Also he can attend confidential briefings by the Government on select matters. That will be advantageous for Pita to prepare his speeches which will be equivalent to the political office-holders. His performance in Parliament as OL will be watched by Thais and those privileges that he received as OL will enhance his preparation for debates in Parliament. He should take the OL role.

There will be considerable delay for the budget bill to get final endorsement. The FY2024 budget framework has been approved at 3.35 trillion Baht in January. When the new government is formed, I am sure they will want to review the framework as they want to fix into their policy pledges. Then it is down to debate and voting in the House of Representatives and to the senates to finish their deliberation before final endorsement. The new government would have to work hard and fast to finalized the budget details.

The Provisional Charted state that “ upon expiration of the term of the Senate, the proceedings for the selection of new senators shall be taken and the senators under the Transitory provision shall remain in office to perform duties until there are new senators”. Considering the length of time to debate charter amendments in both houses and should the amendments passed, it will still take considerable time to re-draft the amendment and hold election for the senators. The appointed senators will be around for longer than we want them to be unfortunately.

It will be much more easier if PT didn’t form the coalition government. Even as a minority government, the military coalition and the appointed senates can vote to extend the tenure of the appointment that will secured their hold on power for the foreseeable future. With PT as the leading party in the government, they and other like minded parties can block any attempt to extend the appointment.

The government will only begin work in mid-September and the new cabinet has not be appointed and policies not yet presented to Parliament after taking the oath of allegiance.

No he didn't bid farewell, he was kicked out by the people. He will be remember for his undemocratic legacy and trying to cling on to power with his appointed senators. 9 wasted years of human rights abuses and lost economic opportunities.

He can’t return as his arch enemy was still alive and pulling the military strings for most of the 17 years.

Peaceful transfer of power. Round of applause from a developing country.

I am looking forward to a peaceful no coup next 4 years with the current coalition.

Don't think this is the case for any deal. He and 5 of his PDRC leaders have been convicted for insurrection and sentenced and out on bail pending appeal. I think this is the case that will be the part of the soon to be announced big reconciliation and amnesty for all political prisoners including Thaksin.

446 yeas and 159 nays. Quite overwhelming considering he only need 376. Quite a lot of abstentions. Would be interesting to see the voting details.

It is an encouraging sign to see that his return has been peaceful devoid of yellow shirts protesters. Even the leaders of PAD and PDRC have not made any comments. I think both colour shirts have moved on and the deep polarisation is fading. In a way, MFP has contributed to this healing of the colour division by speaking out about the old guard and rebuking of the military and political establishment. The Red Shirts are equally divided and leaderless and doubt they will regain their cohesion.

Subtle messaging to senators from the real power.

So far none of the key leaders that lead the crusades against Thaksin have spoken against his return. Songdhi, Chamlong, Somkiat, Suthep, Akanat, Sathit from PAD and PDRC respectively and whom they vowed to overthrow the Thaksin regime and even the Bangkok yellow shirts have remained tight lip. General Sonti who staged the first coup against Thaksin supported his return. They all have done their part for the man behind the curtain. Even Prawit is blaming the elite and conservatives for creating a loop of political conflicts with no better outcome than sufferings for the country and its people.Tomorrow will be just another day. Thaksin will return and Sretha will be the PM.

I doubt the new regime will risk an uprising as a result of a soft coup to have the military remained entrenched as PM and government. The risk of a dynasty caught up with widespread demonstrations that could go beyond anger against the military can't be discounted especially from the younger protesters. History have seen this kind of protests that uprooted the old political structure. I don't think the ultra conservatives would even dare to consider maintaining the old status quo.