Thaksin's Homecoming Sparks Thousands in Korat Rally

[webfact]

 

Thousands of devoted supporters gathered in Nakhon Ratchasima, often called Korat, as former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra visited the northeastern province for the first time in nearly two decades.

 

Thaksin attended the cremation ceremony of his long-serving driver, Wichai Changlek, who recently passed away. The event turned into a large rally, highlighting the deep-rooted loyalty his followers still feel.

 

Thaksin will lead the religious ceremony at Wat Sangkha Chinaram in Sida district, honouring Wichai, fulfilling his driver's dying wish to have the former leader by his side. Thaksin's visit is marked by his homage to the Thao Suranaree statue in the city, a gesture he last made 17 years ago.

 

One ardent supporter, Kowit Khorhenklang, anticipates a 3,000-strong crowd gathering to greet their revered leader. "Thaksin is still in my heart forever," says Kowit, who keeps a picture of Thaksin in his shop, symbolic of the unyielding bond between the former prime minister and his supporters.

 

Picture courtesy: MGR online

 

Panwadee Tantisirin, a red-shirt leader from Khon Kaen, shared that over 1,000 enthusiasts from nearby provinces are expected to join the ceremony. "May 25 will be the day to show him love and loyalty," Panwadee remarked, emphasising the significance of Thaksin's return to Korat.

 

Thaksin will be welcomed by a host of local politicians, including Digital Economy and Society Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong and Suwat Liptapanlop, chairman of the Chart Pattana Party. This homecoming is not just a personal visit but also a political statement.

 

Despite his parole conditions restricting political involvement, Thaksin has maintained an active travel schedule, often seen with influential figures. Arriving by private jet and returning to Bangkok the same day, Thaksin's visit underscores his enduring influence and the unwavering loyalty of his supporters.

 

Picture courtesy: MGR online

 

-- 2024-05-27

 

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[hotchilli]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

Thaksin attended the cremation ceremony of his long-serving driver, Wichai Changlek, who recently passed away. The event turned into a large rally, highlighting the deep-rooted loyalty his followers still feel.

People still living in the past... Thailand will never grow.

[Purdey]

I suppose they hadn't noticed that they are still poor.

[nobodysfriend]

False loyalty to someone who proofed to be a traitor and pathological liar .

Will they ever get real ? Probably not .

[mfd101]

Just now, nobodysfriend said:

False loyalty to someone who proofed to be a traitor and pathological liar .

Real loyalty to a leader who actually - for the first time just about ever in Thailand - did some good things for poor people.

Funny that.

[Gandtee]

From the picture it looks like it's the old dears who still support him. Maybe they didn't have loved ones who were done away with after being SUSPECTED of drug dealing on his watch.

[Tropicalevo]

57 minutes ago, mfd101 said:

Real loyalty to a leader who actually - for the first time just about ever in Thailand - did some good things for poor people.

Funny that.

Many Thais that I spoke to when he was in power, said the same thing.

 

[Irish star]

5 hours ago, Purdey said:

I suppose they hadn't noticed that they are still poor.

The Greed in Korat is out of Control, I lived there 3 years that I will never get back , the girls in that town are utterly Ruthless, con artist , raised by mammasans from Bkk 

[Irish star]

3 hours ago, Tropicalevo said:

Many Thais that I spoke to when he was in power, said the same thing.

 

He gave them 500 b for Votes that’s the only thing they like about him lol

[Irish star]

4 hours ago, mfd101 said:

Real loyalty to a leader who actually - for the first time just about ever in Thailand - did some good things for poor people.

Funny that.

We’re you leading the Rally for Jim yesterday ffs 

[The Theory]

Paid or fool reds 🤔

t-shirts provided 🤪

Edited May 27 by The Theory

[The Theory]

5 hours ago, Tropicalevo said:

Many Thais that I spoke to when he was in power, said the same thing.

In fact very old and well known strategy. It always begins this way.🤔

 

 

 

Edited May 27 by The Theory

[PETERTHEEATER]

The guy behind Tony's right shoulder, with his broken jaw in a sling,  wanted to ask for tips on how to recover overnight.

 

[ericthai]

14 hours ago, Purdey said:

I suppose they hadn't noticed that they are still poor.

Maybe you were not in Thailand at the time, but I recall that he started the 30baht medical program (this has benefited millions over the decades) and actually had the economy in good shape with promoting small and medium size business. He also expanded infrastructure programs (getting the airport complete, new bridges, roads etc. )  People at the time were in good spirits. He is still very well liked in the North and Isaan. 

 

As I have said many times I'm no fan of the guy. He is also the one that started the crack down on visa runs, overstays etc. 

Of course he had the war on drugs which killed over 2500 people in 3 months and he's corrupt just like every other politician. 

Is he good for Thailand?  I dont know, I haven't seen any real progress in Thailand for more than a decade. 

Things either stay the same, go sideways, or move backward; I see no forward movement. 

 

[freedomnow]

Is he blocked from running again by way of being in jail - probably not.