Former Pheu Thai MP downplays talk of Pongsak becoming party leader

By The Nation

 

Pongsak Raktapongpaisan

 

A Pheu Thai Party ex-MP on Monday dismissed speculation that former minister Pongsak Raktapongpaisan would fill the long-vacant position of party leader, while political observers believe the decision will be significantly guided by persons overseas.

 

Samart Kaewmeechai, a former deputy president of the national assembly, said that such a scenario was barely possible given that it apparently broke the political party law.

 

It likely rather stemmed from the personal views of supporters of Pongsak in the party, particularly from ex-MPs in the Northeast, he suggested.

 

“Pongsak is one of those people suitable [for Pheu Thai leadership] as first-generation workers, and was the first party director,” he said, adding, “Still, he has never expressed interest in overseeing the party.”

 

With his business background, Pongsak served at different times as industry minister and transport minister under Thaksin Shinawatra, and as energy minister in Yingluck Shinawatra’s administration.

 

Speculation over his becoming the next Pheu Thai leader came shortly after reports that some of the party’s politicians had recently flown abroad to visit fugitive former premier Thaksin for political discussions, including about who would navigate the currently headless party.

 

These discussions took place at a time of rising domestic anger following yet another postponement of the general election, plus the appearance of Yingluck, who fled Thailand last August to escape punishment in connection with her former administration’s rice-pledging scheme.

 

Political observers believe the Pheu Thai figures might have brainstormed with the two former PMs on the party’s future path as the junta continues to tighten its grip on power.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/breakingnews/30339244

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2018-2-19

Is there any offense committed under Thai law for traveling overseas to consort with known criminal fugitives?

 

Just wondering.

One man supplies sufficient funding for PTP to be able to pay its MPs a second salary - an illegal act in most democracies. If you want to know who will lead the party, ask the organ grinder, not one of his monkeys.

Thaksin is too wily to give hint of the party leader at this early stage. He is baiting the gullible and give them shadows to chase. 

4 hours ago, Baerboxer said:

Is there any offense committed under Thai law for traveling overseas to consort with known criminal fugitives?

 

Just wondering.

If there were, do you think anyone would take any notice of it?

4 hours ago, Baerboxer said:

Is there any offense committed under Thai law for traveling overseas to consort with known criminal fugitives?

 

Just wondering.

I don't really see how there could be, any more than a law that could prosecute Thai nationals from gambling outside the country in territories where gambling is legal.

22 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Samart Kaewmeechai, a former deputy president of the national assembly, said that such a scenario was barely possible given that it apparently broke the political party law.

i love thai politicians; as we all know, politicians are,at heart , professional liars, this bunch, highlighted here, are grade A

8 hours ago, baboon said:

I don't really see how there could be, any more than a law that could prosecute Thai nationals from gambling outside the country in territories where gambling is legal.

And yet, those same PTP members go to great lengths to deny any influence on the party they represent, a lie made obvious by the party slogan.

 

While consorting may not be a crime, Surapong delivering a passport to Thaksin would be considered aiding and abetting of a fugitive in any court.