Thai Politics Unfazed: Nattawut Questions Sondhi’s Protest Pull

[webfact]

File photo courtesy: Thai Post

 

In a landscape as dynamic as Thai politics, former red-shirt leader Nattawut Saikua has expressed scepticism over Sondhi Limthongkul's capacity to rally significant public protests.

 

This scepticism highlights an evolving political consciousness among the Thai people, who have grown wary of past attempts at power plays by elites and the military.

 

Sondhi Limthongkul, a prominent figure associated with the yellow-shirt movement and known for his leadership in the People’s Alliance for Democracy, recently predicted a renewed wave of public protests.

 

His claims centred around a controversial memorandum of understanding from 2001 concerning Thai-Cambodian territorial waters; a hot-button issue due to its implications for Thailand's natural resource management.

 

Nattawut, a seasoned political player himself, took to social media to voice his doubts about Sondhi’s ability to gather a formidable crowd. According to him, the Thai populace has matured politically since the turbulent protests of years past.

Many now recognise these movements as instruments for the military and entrenched elites to consolidate power rather than vehicles for genuine democratic action.

 

Key to Nattawut's argument is the government of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, which he claims will handle the impending negotiations with Cambodia over lucrative petroleum reserves transparently and fairly. He emphasises that until these negotiations commence, Sondhi's nationalist rhetoric lacks substance.

 

The country awaits the debut of the Pheu Thai-led government’s achievements in its first three months of administration, underlining a focus on pragmatic governance rather than disruptive street protests. Economic reforms designed to enhance living standards are anticipated, potentially further placating discontent.

 

However, should Sondhi manage to muster a protest, Nattawut foresees a complex mix of support, possibly drawing in some member of the People's Party despite their differing stances on issues like lese majeste laws involving the monarchy.

 

In sum, Nattawut’s remarks are a reflection of Thailand's shifting political terrain, where the public's tolerance for manipulative optics dressed as populism is waning.

 

With the prime minister poised to outline tangible policy successes soon, many Thais seem intent on giving the current administration a chance to prove its mettle before resorting to the familiar theatre of public protests.

 

As the political climate brims with both uncertainty and potential, the coming months may well offer a clearer indication of Thailand’s future direction, reported The Nation.

 

-- 2024-11-27