Thaksin Negotiates for Paetongtarn Amid Potential PM Suspension

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FILE - Leader of Pheu Thai Party, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, daughter of Thailand's former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, wave before press conference in Bangkok, Thailand, Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

 

In a strategic move, Thaksin Shinawatra has reportedly engaged in secret discussions with influential figures, aiming to prevent his daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, from facing suspension as Thailand's Prime Minister.

 

This development follows a comprehensive lawsuit against Thaksin and his Pheu Thai Party, which is currently the largest ruling party in Thailand.

 

The highly confidential negotiations seek to secure what insiders describe as "conditional mercy," allowing Paetongtarn to remain in power ahead of a crucial Constitutional Court verdict expected soon.

 

An anonymous source close to the party suggests that Thaksin's negotiation skills might protect his daughter's political career, despite their fraught legal challenges.

 

The urgency stems from the potential fallout from the Constitutional Court, which may accept a lawsuit alleging Thaksin's undue influence over the party.

Observers are keenly watching whether Thaksin's manoeuvring will spare Paetongtarn from a suspension similar to the one that previously sidelined her predecessor, Srettha Thavisin, who was ultimately impeached and removed from office last August.

 

At the heart of the allegations is the charge that Paetongtarn's leadership is subject to Thaksin's control, which could lead to her temporary removal from office.

 

The lawsuit claims Thaksin holds significant sway within Pheu Thai, influencing policies, coalition dynamics, and even international engagements.

 

Key accusations include Thaksin's alleged interference with party activities, purported strategic decisions like excluding the Palang Pracharath Party from the coalition, and pushing for a Thai-Cambodian resources project following private talks with Cambodia's former Prime Minister Hun Sen.

 

These varied allegations, if proven, could not only dissolve the Pheu Thai Party but also decisively end Paetongtarn's tenure as Prime Minister, pending the court's final decision, reported Thai Newsroom.

 

-- 2024-11-19