Thailand Probes Thaksin's Alleged Political Manipulation

[webfact]

FILE - Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, center, arrives at Don Muang airport in Bangkok, Thailand, on Aug. 22, 2023. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit, File)

 

Thailand’s Election Commission is ramping up efforts to address sweeping allegations of power misuse by Thaksin Shinawatra. As the de facto leader of the Pheu Thai party, Thaksin is accused of clandestinely steering both his party and its coalition partners, despite being legally barred from political involvement following past criminal convictions.

 

Thaksin’s alleged activities include orchestrating secret meetings with leaders from various coalition parties, such as Bhumjaithai, Palang Pracharath, Ruam Thai Sang Chart, Chart Thai Pattana, and Prachachart.

 

These gatherings reportedly took place after Thailand's former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin was ousted by a split decision from the Constitutional Court for ethics violations. Key decisions regarding the country's future leadership and the distribution of cabinet portfolios were allegedly made during these covert meetings at Thaksin’s residence.

 

The Election Commission’s decision to form an ad hoc committee highlights the seriousness of the accusations. The investigative body, led by Secretary-General Sawaeng Boonmee, is tasked with a 30-day probe to unearth the truth behind allegations of Thaksin’s dominance over party dynamics.

The inquiries arose from multiple petitions, demanding not only the investigation but also the possible dissolution of both the Pheu Thai and involved coalition parties.

 

If found guilty, the repercussions for Thaksin could be severe. He could face imprisonment and further tarnishing of his political legacy. His daughter, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, would also face significant consequences, including removal from office. Such an outcome would destabilise the existing political order, triggering a reshuffle in the government and possibly even new elections.

 

Thaksin’s manoeuvres have reignited attention on his controversial political career, reflecting the enduring influence of the Shinawatra family in Thailand’s political theatre. Observers note that this situation showcases the complex interplay between personal influence and official governance in the country’s tumultuous political environment, reported Thai Newsroom.

 

The upcoming investigation by the Election Commission is poised to be a pivotal moment. It will scrutinise these accusations, aiming to uphold legal and ethical standards within Thai politics while managing the potential fallout of any findings that could reshape the current political landscape. As the probe progresses, it promises to test the resilience of Thailand’s political institutions in maintaining transparency and justice.

 

-- 2024-10-18

 

 

[anchadian]

The end of Paetongtarn's government is imminent?

[motdaeng]

the whole situation really reminds me of 2006. back then, khun toni also thought he could do whatever he wanted,

and no one could stop him. it's very possible this story will repeat itself ... what an arrogant and selfish person / family ... 

[OneMoreFarang]

Alleged? 555

That's like saying the pope is alleged to be catholic. 

[MikeandDow]

32 minutes ago, motdaeng said:

the whole situation really reminds me of 2006. back then, khun toni also thought he could do whatever he wanted,

and no one could stop him. it's very possible this story will repeat itself ... what an arrogant and selfish person / family ... 

How true !!! I just hope this is an end to him he is a convicted felon should be in jail for murder

[ikke1959]

THey found out now?? Everybody with a bit of brains  knew what he was doing in Dubai already and that it would be worse when he came back in Thailand.. But his welcome was more  a return of moviestar, his acts in hospital were already a sign that he was manipulating and when he toured around the country he seemed to be more important the PM Setthra... And with his daughter pushed as PM he is back in power...and he got even a certificate for no wrongdoing....

[lordgrinz]

This should be a slam dunk for the EC, as Thaksin's political manipulation is well known, and documented.

[spidermike007]

There's nothing alleged about corruption when it comes to Thaksin and his family, they always have been corrupt, and they always will be corrupt, and if they're accused of corruption, it happened.

 

They are guilty until proven innocent. 

[webfact]

EC considers petition to dissolve Pheu Thai over Thaksin's influence

 

The Election Commission (EC) agreed today to consider a petition seeking the dissolution of the Pheu Thai party, for allowing Thaksin Shinawatra, an outsider, to control the party.

 

EC Secretary General Sawaeng Boonmee stated in a press conference that the Commission found the complaint to have merit and will set up an investigative panel.

The investigation is expected to conclude in 30 days, but it may be extended for up to 30 days at a time until it is completed.

 

The complaint was filed on August 19 and the petitioner, who requested anonymity, claims that Pheu Thai has, on several occasions, allowed a non-member to direct the party’s activities.

 

Full story: Thai PBS 

-- 2024-10-19

 

 

[watchcat]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

The Election Commission (EC) agreed today to consider a petition seeking the dissolution of the Pheu Thai party, for allowing Thaksin Shinawatra, an outsider, to control the party.

 

Interesting.

[jippytum]

Probing what is obvious to everyone will take weeks. However rest assured the  blatant manipulation of evidence  since Thaksin's return will contiue. 

 

[wombat]

2 hours ago, webfact said:

The Election Commission (EC) agreed today to consider a petition seeking the dissolution of the Pheu Thai party, for allowing Thaksin Shinawatra, an outsider, to control the party.

So,hidden in plain site doesn't work any more?

Asks curious.

[Rinato]

Secret meetings??!

He has been manipulating the political scene already from abroad, every ones knows it.

There is nothing "alleged" here.

If the EC decides to disband parties involved I hope military won't take over again.

[Geoffggi]

29 minutes ago, watchcat said:

The Election Commission (EC) agreed today to consider a petition seeking the dissolution of the Pheu Thai party, for allowing Thaksin Shinawatra, an outsider, to control the party.

Please stop all this pussyfooting about & just do it, Thailand would be much better off without the Shinawatras influence that is for sure.

[Mburo]

Here we go again 😞

[newbee2022]

12 hours ago, webfact said:

to uphold legal and ethical standards

that's a contradiction 😂😂😂

[hotchilli]

12 hours ago, webfact said:

These gatherings reportedly took place after Thailand's former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin was ousted by a split decision from the Constitutional Court for ethics violations. Key decisions regarding the country's future leadership and the distribution of cabinet portfolios were allegedly made during these covert meetings at Thaksin’s residence.

Quit probing with these senseless investigations and do something, every man, women, child and Soi dog know he's up to his neck in politics.

[hotchilli]

12 hours ago, webfact said:

The upcoming investigation by the Election Commission is poised to be a pivotal moment. It will scrutinise these accusations, aiming to uphold legal and ethical standards within Thai politics

For a moment I stupidly thought they were serious, reading above I now know they are not.

[hotchilli]

6 hours ago, lordgrinz said:

This should be a slam dunk for the EC, as Thaksin's political manipulation is well known, and documented.

The EC is bought and paid for... they will find no wrong doing.

[nobodysfriend]

13 hours ago, webfact said:

demanding not only the investigation but also the possible dissolution of both the Pheu Thai and involved coalition parties.

 

13 hours ago, webfact said:

 

 

13 hours ago, webfact said:

His daughter, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, would also face significant consequences, including removal from office. Such an outcome would destabilise the existing political order, triggering a reshuffle in the government and possibly even new elections.

Thaksin in Jail and Pheu Thai dissolved would be the best outcome .

This guy and his Corruption and Nepotism tarnishes constantly Thailand's holy reputation , 55 .

New elections please , but fair this time .

[Presnock]

at this rate, if the party is dissolved and the ministers/parliamenarians are stripped of their positiions as those previously, then pretty soon they will run out of potential candidates.  Seems to be a big difficulty in finding suitable people with no known corruption/crimes during their lives/careers.  Potential international businesses will tire of having to go through the selling process AGAIN and AGAIN before they can really begin to make money here.  Next thing will probably be a return of the military govt.

[Ironmike]

This Taksin ahole has broken the law repeatedly being sentenced to 12 years in prison took off to Dubai and lived like a King on the billions of dollars he has stolen from Thailand,, now he's back scot free and causing more trouble then before,,lock him up before he has the chance to run back to Dubai again and finish this party of criminals 

[spidermike007]

Is there a less effective and more corrupt body than the Election Commission in Thailand? 

[thesetat2013]

13 hours ago, anchadian said:

The end of Paetongtarn's government is imminent?

Not really.  This is probably being done not for political reason as much as monetary gain. Assembling a probe will ensure Thaksin has some more thick envelopes to pass around. Surely, nothing will come of their inquiry except this. 

[kiwikeith]

2 hours ago, jippytum said:

Probing what is obvious to everyone will take weeks. However rest assured the  blatant manipulation of evidence  since Thaksin's return will contiue. 

 

A good example of what would happen is nothing, looking at the red bull brat and the frame up of the Burmese 2

[Suua]

30 minutes ago, nobodysfriend said:

New elections please , but fair this time .

They were fair last time......just the result ignored/trampled on

[mfd101]

Be afraid, be very afraid.

 

What comes after the current government bites the dust and no new election?

[BangkokReady]

3 hours ago, watchcat said:

Interesting.

 

Especially as he's been doing this since he was first removed from power.

 

It seems like he must have upset someone, since he clearly had a deal to return.  He must have also needed to control his political party as a key part of that deal also.

[Artisi]

There is no way he has the time to manipulate anything, he's far too busy recouperating from his near death experience, looking after his grandchildren and doing the household chores. 

[smew]

Government here is a family business it seems