Thaksin to attend Pheu Thai Workshop as 'Expert Guest'

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Picture courtesy: Thai Rath

 

Thaksin Shinawatra, Thailand's ex-Prime Minister, will participate as an "invited expert" at a Pheu Thai Party seminar in Hua Hin next month, confirmed Pheu Thai Secretary-General Sorawong Thienthong.

 

Despite a court ban preventing him from holding office, Thaksin's business and governance expertise remains influential within his faction.

 

Reflecting his continuing sway, Thaksin recently supported Pheu Thai candidate campaigns, including in Udon Thani, fuelling ongoing allegations of his undue influence in Thai politics.

 

His daughter, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, leads Pheu Thai, a party critics allege Thaksin manipulates from the sidelines.

 

Legal actions have targeted Thaksin for allegedly interfering in internal Pheu Thai affairs, with lawsuits filed by activists aiming to enforce penalties.

His clandestine political manoeuvring is notable, particularly following the ousting of former PM Srettha Thavisin last August, reportedly organising secret coalition meetings at his residence.

 

Amidst controversy, during his prior hospital stay, Thaksin purportedly impacted strategic party decisions, influencing the formation of the Pheu Thai-led coalition government, cabinet assignments, and power plays against opposition parties.

 

His alleged behind-the-scenes role was facilitated by Phumtham Wechayachai, now serving as Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister.

 

Thaksin's role as an "invited expert" at the upcoming Pheu Thai workshop underscores his enduring prominence and raises questions about his influence. Despite legal restrictions, his engagement reflects a complex legacy of control within Pheu Thai and broader Thai politics.

 

The seminar's participants and observers alike will focus on Thaksin's contributions, which could further ignite debate over his persistent political presence and sway, reported Thai Newsroom.

 

-- 2024-11-15