Thaksin Proves He Hasn’t Lost His Old Magic

[webfact]

File photo courtesy: Thai Rath

 

In the midst of spirited political exchanges and forecasts, Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has voiced a firm endorsement of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s enduring influence within the political arena. Reflecting on recent Provincial Administration Organisation (PAO) elections, Anutin dismissed notions suggesting Thaksin is losing his charismatic grip on Thai politics.

 

"The essence of a warrior remains constant," Anutin commented on Tuesday, asserting that underestimating Thaksin could lead to unforeseen repercussions. His remarks emerge in response to political analysts questioning Thaksin’s current sway, especially after the Pheu Thai Party's less dominant performance in the latest polls.

 

Despite Pheu Thai being led by Thaksin's daughter, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, it didn't capture as many provinces as anticipated, prompting speculation about Thaksin's waning influence.

 

The discourse also invigorates discussions around Anutin himself, the leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, as a potential candidate for the next prime ministerial race.

File photo courtesy: Thai Rath

 

Buoyed by Bhumjaithai’s commendable showing in the PAO elections, some political commentators suggest Anutin has firmly positioned himself for leadership in the future. However, Anutin remains measured, emphasising his commitment to the coalition government and sidelining rivalry until the next general elections expected in 2027.

 

Anutin quickly refuted claims that Bhumjaithai’s success in the PAO elections stemmed from 'deep pockets'. "Trust and confidence," he insisted, are the currencies that garnered his party’s support, dismissing notions that monetary incentives influenced voter behaviour.

 

Prime Minister Paetongtarn reflects a similar sentiment of satisfaction regarding Pheu Thai’s performance, indicating that like every election, they would evaluate their victories and losses.

 

She conveyed her father Thaksin’s pleasure with the results despite criticisms that his fervent campaigning style, which can sometimes appear aggressive, might have alienated some voters.

 

In the dynamic world of Thai politics, Thaksin remains a figure whose influence is intricately woven into the fabric of Pheu Thai's strategies and aspirations.

 

Whether his purported 'magic' endures is a subject of fervent debate, yet what remains clear is the continued impact of his legacy on Thailand's political landscape. Both allies and rivals alike acknowledge the significance of his presence, shaping the present and future contours of the political theatre, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2025-02-05

 

 

[smedly]

yeah, avoiding tax and running, I wish to thai people would wake up

[OneMoreFarang]

"Thaksin Proves He Hasn’t Lost His Old Magic"

 

Who comes up with these headlines?

Will we soon read: This is sponsored by the Shinawatras?

 

[ChrisY1]

Nice hair!

[Geoffggi]

All this shows is the authorities do not have the balls to reign in Thaksin & prevent his interference in Thai politics.

[JoePai]

endorsement of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra

[lordgrinz]

Yeah, don't let facts get in the way of propaganda.

 

"Thaksin’s political might questioned by PAO election tally"

 

https://world.thaipbs.or.th/detail/thaksins-political-influence-might-questioned-by-pao-election-tally/56395

 

[Artisi]

2 hours ago, lordgrinz said:

Yeah, don't let facts get in the way of propaganda.

 

"Thaksin’s political might questioned by PAO election tally"

 

https://world.thaipbs.or.th/detail/thaksins-political-influence-might-questioned-by-pao-election-tally/56395

 

this just means he has to dig a little deeper into the slush funds at election time, it's amazing what a few extra Baht can achieve, it can even surpass his resurrection from deaths door.

[connda]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

In the midst of spirited political exchanges and forecasts, Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has voiced a firm endorsement of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s enduring influence within the political arena.

The "Political Arena" that by law and by the terms of his parole and the conditions of this return to Thailand, he was never again to engage in politics?  

Some people here insist that Thailand is a "developing nation" but you don't get past third world status until you rein in corruption.  I'll be surprised if he's not allow to run for office soon. That fact that he's allowed to participate in politics now pretty much says it all. 

[connda]

It will be no surprise when the next coup occurs.

[spidermike007]

He lost his magic a long time ago, only his delusional and sycophantic followers will even consider the idea that this man still has relevance. Nothing Anutin says means anything to anyone. 

[worgeordie]

Whats going on here is just mirroring what is going on in USA , with unelected

people behind the the leaders ,trying to run their countries....

 

regards worgeordie

[billd766]

6 hours ago, smedly said:

yeah, avoiding tax and running, I wish to thai people would wake up

Being kicked out of office after yet another illegal military coup, (that nobody got punished for), being charged by a court under military control.

 

Perhaps it should be you that needs to wake up.

[JulesMad]

money is BIG magic

[klauskunkel]

8 hours ago, webfact said:

"The essence of a warrior remains constant," Anutin commented

Hogwash No. 5, Eau de Toilette Anutin

[hotchilli]

8 hours ago, webfact said:

"The essence of a warrior remains constant," Anutin commented on Tuesday

Dictator

[ikke1959]

Old magic.... fill his pockets, refuse to pay tax for it, and if prosecuted flee the country... Other magic he doesn't have as we could read.. he only wnat the power of 1 party so he can do as he want... His daughter is PM but nowhere to be seen all the news is about him.. Untouchable by law even for his section 112 violation he get bail, while others are being refused  And many more.. The magic that happens is a new coup and throw Thailand back for decades again... Hopefully we are rid of him very quickly

[Deserted]

Did anyone really think he had?

[Hunz Kittisak]

8 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

He lost his magic a long time ago, only his delusional and sycophantic followers will even consider the idea that this man still has relevance. Nothing Anutin says means anything to anyone. 

You might want to check which is the dominant party now in government and what is the current PM’s last name

[CallumWK]

Are those two coming out of the closet, or what dirt does Thaksin have on Anutin?

[soalbundy]

Does it really matter to you or me or the Thai on the street? Leaders in politics don't make a difference, it's the leaders in the civil service who do that, quiet unsung heroes who make sure the political idiots don't sink the boat.

 

Political leaders in democracies don't last long anyway, the civil service is the marathon runner. Even in ancient Rome it was the advisors, often educated intelligent slaves, who advised the executive branch, in Egypt it was the priesthood, in ancient Sumeria they actually had a functioning civil service as did the ancient Chinese dynasties.

 

Catastrophes can only happen when rulers ignore the civil service, ride roughshod over bureaucracy and make their own decisions, they usually come to a bad end.

[khaowong1]

Every time you see a photo of Thaksin, his daughter, the PM, is in the background.. this should give you a clue on his importance.  

[madone]

I wasn't aware that warriors feigned illness to escape the consequences of their actions.

[MikeandDow]

13 hours ago, Hunz Kittisak said:

You might want to check which is the dominant party now in government and what is the current PM’s last name

You mean a unelected goverment ! and a unelected PM ??

[LudwigK]

Old magic....ONE MORE, WHY DID HE FLEE FROM HIS HOME COUNTRY ???

[billd766]

2 hours ago, LudwigK said:

Old magic....ONE MORE, WHY DID HE FLEE FROM HIS HOME COUNTRY ???

Perhaps because he was a victim of yet another illegal military coup. A military coup that was never accepted by the Thai people, that stole, yet again the entire country including the courts and the judiciary, for that crime of treason against the state, and have NEVER yet been punished.

 

Now he is back following an election in which the PTP came second, but the PP could NOT form a government, so quite legally PTP managed to form a coalition government.

 

The party which the generals formed performed failed miserably but are still out in the wilderness somewhere complaining how unfair life is.

 

Perhaps you forget that Thaksin is the only PM who has lasted the 4 year life of a parliament and at the second election won the popular vote with an overall majority vote. Something that NO other legally elected PM has ever done.

[Purdey]

He will "enable" a coup if he keeps interfering in politics.

[billd766]

5 hours ago, Purdey said:

He will "enable" a coup if he keeps interfering in politics.

I very much doubt it.

 

Military coups in Thailand usually start in Bangkok.

 

The army in Bangkok is controlled now by the Kings Guard whose loyalty is to someone much higher than the army commanders, (who by the way also profess loyalty to the King).

 

So to plan and execute a successful military coup the Army will first have to eliminate the Kings Guard, and I don't think that there are any generals who are not in the Kings Guard, that can order and are brave enough to successfully run a military coup.

 

I could well be wrong, but I don't think that I am.

[Purdey]

10 hours ago, billd766 said:

I very much doubt it.

 

Military coups in Thailand usually start in Bangkok.

 

The army in Bangkok is controlled now by the Kings Guard whose loyalty is to someone much higher than the army commanders, (who by the way also profess loyalty to the King).

 

So to plan and execute a successful military coup the Army will first have to eliminate the Kings Guard, and I don't think that there are any generals who are not in the Kings Guard, that can order and are brave enough to successfully run a military coup.

 

I could well be wrong, but I don't think that I am.

Unless they have support from the Kings Guard? 

At which point will the military get fed up with him? 

[billd766]

1 hour ago, Purdey said:

Unless they have support from the Kings Guard? 

At which point will the military get fed up with him? 

The Kings Guard loyalty is t he King only.

 

The army's loyalty is to themselves and to the king in name only.

 

The main army is side lined.