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Anutin bows to Thaksin after Ubon funeral service

Georgealbert
· 106 views

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul knelt and bowed to former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra as he saw him off after a funeral service in Ubon Ratchathani on Friday night, August 14.

The encounter came after the funeral for Krieng Kalptinan, a former deputy interior minister and five-time MP, and marked the first meeting between Anutin and Thaksin since Thaksin's release from jail last May.

Other former prime ministers attending included Thaksin's daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra and his brother-in-law, Somchai Wongsawat.

First meeting since Thaksin's release

Political observers watched the gathering closely because Thaksin is regarded as the de facto leader of Pheu Thai, while Anutin leads Bhumjaithai.

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Picture courtesy of ThaiNewsRoom

Anutin greeted Thaksin, Paetongtarn and Somchai in a friendly manner before taking a seat beside Thaksin. Paetongtarn sat next to her father, with Somchai seated further along.

The group were seen talking informally during the service and, at times, smiling.

Afterwards, the hosts invited the four current and former prime ministers to pose for photographs with the Kalptinan family. Anutin did not join the group photograph.

Brief exchange as Anutin left

Anutin later walked with Thaksin to his car. Thaksin asked him, "Where are you going next, Mr. Prime Minister?"

Anutin replied: "Travelling back."

As they parted, Anutin knelt and bowed to Thaksin.

Several cabinet ministers, MPs and other political figures from both Pheu Thai and Bhumjaithai also attended the service for Krieng, who was 74.

Krieng served as an MP from 1995 to 2006, and again from 2023 to 2025.

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16 August 2026

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    blaze master Diamond Member

    blaze master

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    • Popular Comment

    Also known as being a simp.

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    • Haha 3
    Jim Waldron Gold Member

    Jim Waldron

    Advanced Member

    A spontaneous gesture or a reminder of Thailand’s real power?

    Thaksin’s status as a “private citizen” is a legal fiction. His social and political seniority remains intact, and Anutin’s kneeling simply confirms it.

    While this may be interpreted as deference from a sitting PM, it doesn’t project independence, and it certainly doesn’t reassure voters who expected a change in political culture.

    Whether it was just a populist opportunity or funeral‑etiquette magnified by the cameras, the message must confirm that hierarchy and patronage in Thailand still outrank office.

    • Like 2
    Jim Blue Platinum Member

    Jim Blue

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    In the West we do it by a

    "secret " handshake !⁴

    fredwiggy Star Member

    fredwiggy

    Advanced Member
    (edited)
    37 minutes ago, Jim Blue said:

    In the West we do it by a

    "secret " handshake !⁴

    We also bow down to no one. Besides God of course. Handshakes are a mutual respect, and I use them here, although many aren't used to them and appear shy when I try.

    Edited by fredwiggy

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    KhunLA Star Member

    KhunLA

    Advanced Member
    (edited)

    Oh please, just extending common courtesy, as anyone would, especially at a solumn affair. Also a bit of politics.

    He did skip the photo opt, so that says much more, and good for him.

    Even with his low opinion of foreigners, that I somewhat agree with, I like him, as seems less corrupt, I think. At least no in the news.

    Edited by KhunLA

    Gottfrid Star Member

    Gottfrid

    Advanced Member
    57 minutes ago, fredwiggy said:

    We also bow down to no one. Besides God of course. Handshakes are a mutual respect, and I use them here, although many aren't used to them and appear shy when I try.

    Clearly shows your inability to adjust to other customs.

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    Been Away Rookie Member

    Been Away

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    • Popular Comment

    Tony is looking really healthy from not so long ago, he was on 'his death bed" The miracles of medicine!

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    fredwiggy Star Member

    fredwiggy

    Advanced Member
    (edited)
    6 minutes ago, Gottfrid said:

    Clearly shows your inability to adjust to other customs.

    No, clearly shows I don't bow to anyone, and teach my daughter the same. No one's above us besides God. I wai to everyone here to show respect, as well as look them in the eyes and offer my hand. They understand full well, as my daughter's teachers do in her school that she's a Christian. A slight bow when using a wai isn't the same as bowing down, looking at them as superior.

    Edited by fredwiggy

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    Woke to Sounds Gold Member

    Woke to Sounds

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    Knows where his bread gets buttered.

    End of.

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