A shadow looms large over the Pheu Thai Party

[webfact]

 

By Ken Mathis Lohatepanont

Thaksin’s shadow leaves Pheu Thai in a conundrum, writes Ken Lohatepanont. His promise of a return further complicates Pheu Thai’s candidacy and potentially deepends divides.

 

“It is a kindness,” the Roman poet Ovid once wrote, “that the mind can go where it wishes.” Exiled from Italy to a port city on the black sea, the deeply homesick poet wrote a series of letters lamenting his fate to his friends. 

 

Thaksin Shinawatra, in his self-imposed exile of many years, does not need to write letters. Fortunately for him, the modern world offers him far more convenient options: the direct video links to red shirt rallies in the early years of his exile, or more recently the Clubhouse conversations under the Tony Woodsome pseudonym. And even as he holds court from Dubai, as his mind wanders back home, he finds no difficulty in manifesting himself virtually.

 

The traveling mind, however, is no substitute for a real return. Everybody in Thai politics knows that Thaksin has one overriding desire: to return home, preferably without any fear of arrest and imprisonment. Even the most amateur of psychologists can parse out as much from his frequent promises that this is the year he finally makes it back. Indeed, his desperation is evident from his singleminded — indeed ruthless — attempts to return his Pheu Thai party to power, so that from the commanding heights of government it can pave the way for a hero’s welcome.

 

Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/47695/shadow-looms-large-over-pheu-thai/

 

-- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2023-01-30

 

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[sammieuk1]

Why is he pictured in front of a washed up old tug boat is this a message ?????

[OneMoreFarang]

Thaksin thinks about Thaksin. Thaksin first. Nothing is more important than Thaksin.

Is that news?

It's amazing that so many people still think the return of that criminal would be good for Thailand.

[Denim]

14 minutes ago, sammieuk1 said:

Why is he pictured in front of a washed up old tug boat is this a message ?????

Negotiating his passage for stealth return.

[Denim]

8 minutes ago, OneMoreFarang said:

Thaksin thinks about Thaksin. Thaksin first. Nothing is more important than Thaksin.

Is that news?

It's amazing that so many people still think the return of that criminal would be good for Thailand.

When Thaksin was in power there were posters here that said anyone would be better than Thaksin.

 

What they got in return was too many years of the current incumbents. Just as corrupt and self serving.

 

It's never a question of who would be good for Thailand , more of a  who would be least worse .

 

TIT , there are no squeaky clean options.

 

Meanwhile in the UK people had the choice of Corbyn or Johnson

The Americans had the choice of Trump or Hillary

 

See how it works ? The scum rises to the top in politics.

[KhaoNiaw]

Pheu Thai to back Prawit as PM?  I'm sure he'd be grateful for their support.

[mikebell]

I thought the huge looming shadow to be a reference to Prawit.

[foreverlomsak]

32 minutes ago, sammieuk1 said:

Why is he pictured in front of a washed up old tug boat is this a message ?????

Only sea transport he could find as all inflatable boats are fully occupied in the English Channel

[daveAustin]

24 minutes ago, Denim said:

When Thaksin was in power there were posters here that said anyone would be better than Thaksin.

 

What they got in return was too many years of the current incumbents. Just as corrupt and self serving.

 

It's never a question of who would be good for Thailand , more of a  who would be least worse .

 

TIT , there are no squeaky clean options.

 

Meanwhile in the UK people had the choice of Corbyn or Johnson

The Americans had the choice of Trump or Hillary

 

See how it works ? The scum rises to the top in politics.

Agree in part. Bent as a nine bob note, but at least Thailand moved forward and the palms of the ordinary man got greased. Anyone who fancies the current political climate is either thick, deluded or just lost.

[OneMoreFarang]

37 minutes ago, Denim said:

When Thaksin was in power there were posters here that said anyone would be better than Thaksin.

 

What they got in return was too many years of the current incumbents. Just as corrupt and self serving.

 

It's never a question of who would be good for Thailand , more of a  who would be least worse .

 

TIT , there are no squeaky clean options.

 

Meanwhile in the UK people had the choice of Corbyn or Johnson

The Americans had the choice of Trump or Hillary

 

See how it works ? The scum rises to the top in politics.

I remember the time when many of us thought it can't get worse than George W Bush.

We were so wrong... 

 

Obviously I don't know where Thai politics will go. But if Thaksin ('s daughter) will be in charge then it is almost sure that there will be mayhem. At least for me this mean anybody else is probably better. 

[OneMoreFarang]

14 minutes ago, daveAustin said:

Anyone who fancies the current political climate is either thick, deluded or just lost.

Or he remembers the bloody red-shirts terrorizing the city and decided life is a lot better without that violent mob on the streets. 

 

[Eric Loh]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

Everybody in Thai politics knows that Thaksin has one overriding desire: to return home, preferably without any fear of arrest and imprisonment

It will meant coalition with PPRP and getting Prawit across the finish line to be the Prime Minister and re-trials. Only Prawit has the political leverage to pave the way for re-trials of his cases and possibly accomodating outcome. He will be free on bail awaiting the court appearance just like his nemesis Suthep and former PDRC leaders on a more serious sedition charges. 

[zzaa09]

1 hour ago, OneMoreFarang said:

Thaksin thinks about Thaksin. Thaksin first. Nothing is more important than Thaksin.

Is that news?

It's amazing that so many people still think the return of that criminal would be good for Thailand.

Too many have been hoodwinked.

He, and his gang, will be a factor as long as the attention is cranked out.

[Pedrogaz]

Come back Thaksin, all is forgiven. 

[Eric Loh]

11 minutes ago, zzaa09 said:

Too many have been hoodwinked.

He, and his gang, will be a factor as long as the attention is cranked out.

If I recalled, all the past democratically held elections since 2001 were won by Thaksin's parties. Even the last 2019 election held under a much skewed military drafted constitution, Pheu Thai won the most seats in the House of Representaives. Hoodwinked for the last 20+ years? Time you acknowledge the people right to decide their government; not forced to accept by the military gang. 

[MrMojoRisin]

55 minutes ago, OneMoreFarang said:

Or he remembers the bloody red-shirts terrorizing the city and decided life is a lot better without that violent mob on the streets. 

 

Red Shirts terrorising the city?

Of the 100 people killed during the 2010 democracy protests, how many were Red Shirts?

Seems the terrorists were dressed in another colour eh?

[Scouse123]

3 hours ago, Denim said:

When Thaksin was in power there were posters here that said anyone would be better than Thaksin.

 

What they got in return was too many years of the current incumbents. Just as corrupt and self serving.

 

It's never a question of who would be good for Thailand , more of a  who would be least worse .

 

TIT , there are no squeaky clean options.

 

Meanwhile in the UK people had the choice of Corbyn or Johnson

The Americans had the choice of Trump or Hillary

 

See how it works ? The scum rises to the top in politics.

I thought Thaksin was lousy and a liar as well as being corrupt as hell and led a party filled with cronyism.

 

Same sentence applies to the current government in power.

[Mr Meeseeks]

3 hours ago, sammieuk1 said:

Why is he pictured in front of a washed up old tug boat is this a message ?????

Isn't that the Thai Navy flagship?

[kingstonkid]

2 hours ago, OneMoreFarang said:

I remember the time when many of us thought it can't get worse than George W Bush.

We were so wrong... 

 

Obviously I don't know where Thai politics will go. But if Thaksin ('s daughter) will be in charge then it is almost sure that there will be mayhem. At least for me this mean anybody else is probably better. 

The problem is that if PT wins and no matter who is PM they will only be like JOE in the U.S.  A figurehead for an outside voice.  In this case Thaksin.

 

Prawit will be a voice of the military

 

The only way to resolve this is to have a stron opposition that can force them to play nice.

[Eric Loh]

30 minutes ago, Scouse123 said:

I thought Thaksin was lousy and a liar as well as being corrupt as hell and led a party filled with cronyism.

 

Same sentence applies to the current government in power.

Not the same. Only Thaksin was charged for corruption and he was elected. Meanwhile the current non elected junta leader seized power and not charged for treason and will never ever be charged for corruption. 
https://thediplomat.com/2014/10/thai-junta-beset-by-corruption-scandals/

[Phoenix Rising]

4 hours ago, OneMoreFarang said:

Thaksin thinks about Thaksin. Thaksin first. Nothing is more important than Thaksin.

Is that news?

It's amazing that so many people still think the return of that criminal would be good for Thailand.

It's simple really. If Thaksin returns it means the power of the old elite dinos currently in charge is slipping and there's a chance of a return to democracy.

I know you don't like democracy but most people prefer it to military dic rule.

If you're still amazed then send me a PM and I'll try to simplify it further.

[hotchilli]

6 hours ago, sammieuk1 said:

Why is he pictured in front of a washed up old tug boat is this a message ?????

Like ships in the night?

[Red Forever]

4 hours ago, Eric Loh said:

If I recalled, all the past democratically held elections since 2001 were won by Thaksin's parties. Even the last 2019 election held under a much skewed military drafted constitution, Pheu Thai won the most seats in the House of Representaives. Hoodwinked for the last 20+ years? Time you acknowledge the people right to decide their government; not forced to accept by the military gang. 

Spot on Eric. Funny innit that posters on here spout democracy but when the majority vote for Thaksin parties these "democrats" cry foul.

Maybe these posters should experience a government led by the most corrupt (and that's saying something) politician IMO. Step forward  Suthep, your adoring anti corruption fans need you!

[renaissanc]

Pheu Thai won't do this, but it should dump Thaksin. If it forms a coalition and passes an Amnesty Bill, we'll be back to 2013-14. Then for sure, Pheu Thai will be finished as a party.

[Eric Loh]

55 minutes ago, renaissanc said:

Pheu Thai won't do this, but it should dump Thaksin. If it forms a coalition and passes an Amnesty Bill, we'll be back to 2013-14. Then for sure, Pheu Thai will be finished as a party.

Thaksin not on the ballot box. Bangkokians unhappy about the amnesty came out and protest in the millions. Their message was resounding and they dispersed soon after. The bus-in radical elements lead by Sutherp mainly from the south created the chaos and the coup. Rest of the country was peaceful. Personally I am against the amnesty. The government should be given the chance to withdraw the amnesty if not for the coup. 

[San Fran Dan]

7 hours ago, Phoenix Rising said:

It's simple really. If Thaksin returns it means the power of the old elite dinos currently in charge is slipping and there's a chance of a return to democracy.

I know you don't like democracy but most people prefer it to military dic rule.

If you're still amazed then send me a PM and I'll try to simplify it further.

I’m backing Ganja Party 

[Venom]

13 hours ago, Eric Loh said:

If I recalled, all the past democratically held elections since 2001 were won by Thaksin's parties. Even the last 2019 election held under a much skewed military drafted constitution, Pheu Thai won the most seats in the House of Representaives. Hoodwinked for the last 20+ years? Time you acknowledge the people right to decide their government; not forced to accept by the military gang. 

I remember it was 300 to 500 baht a vote. 

[MrMojoRisin]

2 hours ago, Venom said:

I remember it was 300 to 500 baht a vote. 

You remember wrong.

Read the ANFREL reports for each Thai election since 2000 - the only one with significant cheating was the only one Thaksin “lost”.

If you are not a fan of democracy, have the courage to say it, don’t regurgitate ridiculous lies, it just makes you look silly.