Srettha Thavisin (L), Thaksin Shinawatra (R). Image composite courtesy: Thai Rath

 

In an insightful commentary today, Pichai Ratanadilok na Phuket, from the National Institute of Development Administration, urged influential Pheu Thai Party figure Thaksin Shinawatra to cease exerting his behind-the-scenes sway over Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Pichai highlighted concerns that Thaksin's omnipresence has steadily eroded the party’s popularity.

 

The backdrop to this development revolves around Thaksin's perceived role as a backstage puppet master, jeopardising Srettha’s autonomy. Allegations suggest that he steers party policies and indirectly influences governmental decisions, creating tensions within the party and dissatisfaction among its grassroots supporters.

 

Pichai stressed that Thaksin's invisible hand in governance has significantly impacted Srettha's economic policies, rendering them lacklustre and failing to meet public expectations.

 

The academic further postulated that to restore confidence in the government, Thaksin should completely withdraw from political manoeuvrings, allowing Srettha and other officials to lead without interference. This shift, he argued, would consolidate a singular leadership, eliminating any ambiguity regarding who holds true authority.

 

Currently, Thaksin, entangled in legal battles and having recently been denied permission for a private trip to Dubai, continues to influence significant government campaigns. Notably, projects like the 10,000-baht digital wallet initiative aim to rejuvenate public support amidst economic challenges but have sparked controversy due to their populist undertones and delayed implementation.

 

Moreover, Pichai anticipates that Srettha might be acquitted by the Constitutional Court in an ongoing impeachment lawsuit, potentially avoiding a severe political crisis.

 

This case revolves around the contentious appointment of Pichit Chuenban, a former lawyer with a tarnished reputation linked to Thaksin, as a minister. If Srettha is deemed guilty, it could precipitate an immediate loss of his prime ministerial status, thrusting the country into another leadership vacuum.

 

Even if such a crisis were to unfold, Thaksin is expected to manoeuvre meticulously to keep the prime ministerial post within his party. Possible successors might include Pheu Thai MP Chaikasem Nitisiri or even Thaksin’s daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, although internal opposition casts doubt on the latter's viability, reported Thai Newsroom.

 

As the political drama unfolds, the key question remains whether Thaksin will heed advice and allow a clearer, more independent leadership to emerge within the Pheu Thai Party.

 

-- 2024-08-02

 

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Thaksin know his time is up, hence he wanted to flee back to Dubai. I think the coming weeks will get very interesting

Blaming the wrong guy ..      He's letting him control 

1 hour ago, webfact said:

Srettha Thavisin (L), Thaksin Shinawatra (R). Image composite courtesy: Thai Rath

 

In an insightful commentary today, Pichai Ratanadilok na Phuket, from the National Institute of Development Administration, urged influential Pheu Thai Party figure Thaksin Shinawatra to cease exerting his behind-the-scenes sway over Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Pichai highlighted concerns that Thaksin's omnipresence has steadily eroded the party’s popularity.

 

The backdrop to this development revolves around Thaksin's perceived role as a backstage puppet master, jeopardising Srettha’s autonomy. Allegations suggest that he steers party policies and indirectly influences governmental decisions, creating tensions within the party and dissatisfaction among its grassroots supporters.

 

Pichai stressed that Thaksin's invisible hand in governance has significantly impacted Srettha's economic policies, rendering them lacklustre and failing to meet public expectations.

 

The academic further postulated that to restore confidence in the government, Thaksin should completely withdraw from political manoeuvrings, allowing Srettha and other officials to lead without interference. This shift, he argued, would consolidate a singular leadership, eliminating any ambiguity regarding who holds true authority.

 

Currently, Thaksin, entangled in legal battles and having recently been denied permission for a private trip to Dubai, continues to influence significant government campaigns. Notably, projects like the 10,000-baht digital wallet initiative aim to rejuvenate public support amidst economic challenges but have sparked controversy due to their populist undertones and delayed implementation.

 

Moreover, Pichai anticipates that Srettha might be acquitted by the Constitutional Court in an ongoing impeachment lawsuit, potentially avoiding a severe political crisis.

 

This case revolves around the contentious appointment of Pichit Chuenban, a former lawyer with a tarnished reputation linked to Thaksin, as a minister. If Srettha is deemed guilty, it could precipitate an immediate loss of his prime ministerial status, thrusting the country into another leadership vacuum.

 

Even if such a crisis were to unfold, Thaksin is expected to manoeuvre meticulously to keep the prime ministerial post within his party. Possible successors might include Pheu Thai MP Chaikasem Nitisiri or even Thaksin’s daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, although internal opposition casts doubt on the latter's viability, reported Thai Newsroom.

 

As the political drama unfolds, the key question remains whether Thaksin will heed advice and allow a clearer, more independent leadership to emerge within the Pheu Thai Party.

 

-- 2024-08-02

 

- Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information.

 

Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

As my Thai wife so sagely advised me years ago,  "It's not your business Daddy." 

2 hours ago, webfact said:

The backdrop to this development revolves around Thaksin's perceived role as a backstage puppet master, jeopardising Srettha’s autonomy.

 

The academic further postulated that to restore confidence in the government, Thaksin should completely withdraw from political manoeuvrings, allowing Srettha and other officials to lead without interference.

 

What were the terms of Thaksin's sweetheart deal to return and receive a royal pardon?

Something tells me that whatever the agreement was, this is not it.

Edited August 1, 20241 yr by expat_4_life

2 hours ago, webfact said:

Thaksin should completely withdraw from political manoeuvrings, allowing Srettha and other officials to lead without interference.

Not going to happen and the current government only has itself to blame after permitting Thaksin to sidestep imprisonment due to his false health claims, it is plainly obvious to anyone with half a brain that the government has bent over backwards to appease him for whatever reasons and now these decisions have come back to bite them - NO SYMPATHY ...............LOL 😎😎  

Such nonsense. They knew when they let him return, and get immunity from prison, in exchange for a purchase of the man's soul and his party, that he would be a constant interference. It is correct that his popularity is dwindling. But, Srettha never had any popularity to begin with. He is a stooge PM, and everyone knows it. He has accomplished nothing. He is the do nothing PM. 

It is too late already.. THaksin is granted too many privileges and he was always involved in the Pheu Thai. Withy the pardon and non jail terms and all the media attention if he is going somewhere or doing something it gives him the power behind the scenes and he keeps up saying he doesn't want to be PM. No of course not... This is more convenient let others do what he want and he can pretend that his hands are clean

2 hours ago, webfact said:

Allegations suggest that he steers party policies and indirectly influences governmental decisions, creating tensions within the party and dissatisfaction among its grassroots supporters.

Luncheons in CM, informal chats on the golf course and many backroom conversations..

why does a man on parole have such free contact with government officials?

2 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

Such nonsense. They knew when they let him return, and get immunity from prison, in exchange for a purchase of the man's soul and his party, that he would be a constant interference. It is correct that his popularity is dwindling. But, Srettha never had any popularity to begin with. He is a stooge PM, and everyone knows it. He has accomplished nothing. He is the do nothing PM. 

Anutin is being quietly lined up for the PM position, PTP needs his party to survive, they'll only get his backing if he gets the top job.

1 minute ago, ikke1959 said:

It is too late already.. THaksin is granted too many privileges and he was always involved in the Pheu Thai. Withy the pardon and non jail terms and all the media attention if he is going somewhere or doing something it gives him the power behind the scenes and he keeps up saying he doesn't want to be PM. No of course not... This is more convenient let others do what he want and he can pretend that his hands are clean

Back seat driver... should have jailed him and took his phone away.

4 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

Back seat driver... should have jailed him and took his phone away.

I know nothing much of the laws here, but does being on parole mean that he should not be playing politics anyway. If so then why is he not being arrested, instead of told to back off.(Rhetorical question).

Also, wo betide us if A-Nut-In gets the top job.

Edited August 1, 20241 yr by AhFarangJa

Thaksin has a mega ego He will do any deal to keep  himself and other family members  in the forefront and money chain of Thai politics. 

4 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

Back seat driver... should have jailed him and took his phone away.

Should have left this dodgie criminal to rot in Dubai or wherever his bolt-hole was, it was all  a sickening soap-opera that wouldn't rate against the worst of the Thai soapie's even if they if included gongs, whistles and canned laughter. 

2 hours ago, webfact said:

Thaksin's invisible hand in governance has significantly impacted Srettha's economic policies, rendering them lacklustre and failing to meet public expectations.

Spot on ... what the public has been saying about a Thai military-backed government since 2014. I'm sure Thavisin appreciates being told he's so weak that pollster NIDA has to come to his rescue.

Paradoxically, NIDA's political popularity survey for the first quarter of 2024 showed Pita at 42.75%, Thavisin at 17.75%, and Shinawatra at 6%? Thavisin was not only surpassed by Pita but also "no suitable candidate" at 20%!

https://nidapoll.nida.ac.th/data/survey/uploads/FILE-1711167362838.pdf

 

30 minutes ago, Geoffggi said:

Not going to happen and the current government only has itself to blame after permitting Thaksin to sidestep imprisonment due to his false health claims, it is plainly obvious to anyone with half a brain that the government has bent over backwards to appease him for whatever reasons and now these decisions have come back to bite them - NO SYMPATHY ...............LOL 😎😎  

The reasons are very transparent, it's money! Money is king in Thailand and Thaksin is the original "walking ATM" of Thailand. 

Thaksins medical charade and secret deals to evade justice was a public display of corruption that will not be forgotten. 

22 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

Anutin is being quietly lined up for the PM position, PTP needs his party to survive, they'll only get his backing if he gets the top job.

And he is the last person in the world who should be leading Thailand. Bottom of the barrel selections seems to be what the army and the elite want. Easy to manipulate? 

 

They are moving Thailand backwards at an alarming pace. Regressive dinosaurs. 

1 minute ago, spidermike007 said:

And he is the last person in the world who should be leading Thailand. Bottom of the barrel selections seems to be what the army and the elite want. Easy to manipulate? 

 

They are moving Thailand backwards at an alarming pace. Regressive dinosaurs. 

It's all about power. money and status, virtually no-one in government has the people of Thailand or the country's economic  future as a priority

3 hours ago, CallumWK said:

Thaksin know his time is up, hence he wanted to flee back to Dubai. I think the coming weeks will get very interesting

 

a plane crash

Come on Tony, let Paulie run the show. 

8 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

It's all about power. money and status, virtually no-one in government has the people of Thailand or the country's economic  future as a priority

Priority is, me me me - unfortunately this is all too common from the very top down. Anyone with a social conscious is very quickly neutered for the benift of the ar&e - holes in charge. 

Edited August 1, 20241 yr by Artisi

I had discounted Tony's alleged shoulder injury but now see that it could be real and caused by continually jerking those puppet strings.

3 hours ago, webfact said:

Pichai highlighted concerns that Thaksin's omnipresence has steadily eroded the party’s popularity.

 

3 hours ago, webfact said:

Allegations suggest that he steers party policies and indirectly influences governmental decisions, creating tensions within the party and dissatisfaction among its grassroots supporters.

 

Good for Thailand . He secretly works to support MFP now ...

 

3 hours ago, webfact said:

Thaksin should completely withdraw from political manoeuvrings

 

Oh no ...

His manoeverings are so entertaining ... and their result is the opposite from what he hoped .

Somebody should teach him what " Democracy " means .

The people chose , the politicians are there to serve ... but not themselves only .

Let Thaksin ' drive the car ' , he will crash it against a wall ...

The wall that people built to protect themselves from him . Good riddance on the next elections ...

1 hour ago, expat_4_life said:

 

What were the terms of Thaksin's sweetheart deal to return and receive a royal pardon?

Something tells me that whatever the agreement was, this is not it.

Bait and switch. A time honored tradition for con artists in every walk of life, especially politicians

2 minutes ago, PETERTHEEATER said:

I had discounted Tony's alleged shoulder injury but now see that it could be real and caused by continually jerking those puppet strings.

Jerking what? Oh, puppet strings you say?

14 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

And he is the last person in the world who should be leading Thailand. Bottom of the barrel selections seems to be what the army and the elite want. Easy to manipulate? 

 

They are moving Thailand backwards at an alarming pace. Regressive dinosaurs. 

Hopfully the dinosaurs will eventually become extinct so let us hope for the benefit of Thailand the replacements are more inclined to progression. 

Huh?

Thaksins court refusal to travel to Dubai before his court case will not prevent his escape to the billionaires playground if he is convicted.  For many decades convicted  Thai politicians and family members manage to escape justice by fleeing to a life of luxuary  abroad 

3 hours ago, webfact said:

Thaksin should completely withdraw from political manoeuvrings

Not gonna happen, it's his nature.