File photo courtesy: Thai Rath

 

Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's involvement in aiding the Pheu Thai Party's campaign for upcoming Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) elections faces scrutiny. Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has robustly defended Thaksin's participation, affirming it is within legal rights.

 

The PAO chair elections are slated for late November in Udon Thani and Surin provinces, with Thaksin expected to join the campaign on specific dates prior to the elections.

 

Phumtham, also a senior Pheu Thai member, emphasised Thaksin's right to engage in political activities, noting, "Political parties act within the law." His emphasis aimed to assuage concerns while assuring that Thaksin’s presence is entirely legitimate.

 

The former leader's assistance centres on supporting Pheu Thai's candidate, Sarawut Petphanomporn, a seasoned four-time MP. Phumtham underscored, “Anyone can assist—no legal issues at all.” Sarawut's candidacy embodies the party’s strategic efforts to reclaim dominance in Udon Thani, a Pheu Thai stronghold, following slight setbacks in the previous general elections.

In a pointed comparison, Phumtham highlighted the opposition People's Party (PP) reportedly enlisting ex-Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat for its campaign efforts.

 

Despite the MFP's prior dissolution for constitutional breaches, and a political ban imposed on Pita, his active support persists. Meanwhile, Thaksin, after his sentence was reduced then pardoned, has been released on parole and maintains his freedom to participate politically.

 

Despite Pheu Thai’s historical stronghold, recent shifts have seen broader competition within Udon Thani, signalling potentially intense contests for the PAO positions.

 

Deputy Secretary-General Linthiporn Warinwatchararoj reasserted Thaksin’s freedom from prior convictions, positioning his election campaigning as entirely lawful and contrasting Pita's ongoing involvement despite facing a ban, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2024-11-12

 

 

A lot of folk slag off Thaksin. The reasons are many.

People say that he is corrupt.

Every government is corrupt here in Thailand.

There have been no exceptions.

The major difference is that Thaksin has a proven track record for helping the poor.

Buying their votes with free houses, buffaloes, new roads, improved/free medical care and so on.

When he was in power, I asked Thais why they supported him.

The answer was always the same.

He is the first PM to do something for us.

Individuals who suffered the most under his regime - the rich and the military.

Now let's look at the alternative.

The military have a proven track record for helping the rich and running Thailand into the ground.

I cannot think of anything that they have done to help the majority of the Thai population. (The poor.)

Corruption just became worse under military rule.

As friend of the army he can do as he wants to get richer and richer instead of doing real things for the Thai people.. Promising yes, but no real actions...But that we know already for a long time

35 minutes ago, Tropicalevo said:

A lot of folk slag off Thaksin. The reasons are many.

People say that he is corrupt.

Every government is corrupt here in Thailand.

There have been no exceptions.

The major difference is that Thaksin has a proven track record for helping the poor.

Buying their votes with free houses, buffaloes, new roads, improved/free medical care and so on.

When he was in power, I asked Thais why they supported him.

The answer was always the same.

He is the first PM to do something for us.

Individuals who suffered the most under his regime - the rich and the military.

Now let's look at the alternative.

The military have a proven track record for helping the rich and running Thailand into the ground.

I cannot think of anything that they have done to help the majority of the Thai population. (The poor.)

Corruption just became worse under military rule.

 

But he didnt do that countrywide, just bought off voters in areas he knew he could win in. Never lifted a finger for people in many other areas.

1 hour ago, sungod said:

 

But he didnt do that countrywide, just bought off voters in areas he knew he could win in. Never lifted a finger for people in many other areas.

My take on his time in office is that he recognized there are people, lots of people, that live outside of Bangkok. Typical for admins to oblivious to the masses. Your criticism of Thaksin seems far more on the spot for nearly every other government that has been in power since 1932. Cater to the big mango, screw the rest

Thaksin is banned from politcs. He is not a registered member of Phue Thai party. 

. 

It is illegal for Phue Thai to accept advice or donations from a non member. 

The only reason the opposition turn a blind eye is they don't want to jeopardise their place at the money trough. 

4 hours ago, webfact said:

Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has robustly defended Thaksin's participation, affirming it is within legal rights.

So what happened to stay out of politics?

6 hours ago, Tropicalevo said:

A lot of folk slag off Thaksin. The reasons are many.

People say that he is corrupt.

Every government is corrupt here in Thailand.

There have been no exceptions.

The major difference is that Thaksin has a proven track record for helping the poor.

Buying their votes with free houses, buffaloes, new roads, improved/free medical care and so on.

When he was in power, I asked Thais why they supported him.

The answer was always the same.

He is the first PM to do something for us.

Individuals who suffered the most under his regime - the rich and the military.

Now let's look at the alternative.

The military have a proven track record for helping the rich and running Thailand into the ground.

I cannot think of anything that they have done to help the majority of the Thai population. (The poor.)

Corruption just became worse under military ru

Didnt the Thai vote for another party than Pua Thai or military?

Yesterday his daughter who is PM stated she was worried about his health I really don’t know what to believe when they open their mouths 

"Political parties act within the law."