Politics Thaksin's Political Maze: Pheu Thai and Bhumjaithai at Odds

[webfact]

 

File photo courtesy of Thai Rath

 

Thaksin Shinawatra, the de facto leader of Thailand's Pheu Thai party, is navigating a political conundrum as he steers the coalition government from behind the scenes.

 

Despite having his daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, in the prime minister's seat, tensions with coalition partner Bhumjaithai threaten stability. Internal conflicts, unresolved legal challenges, and imminent lawsuits keep Thaksin's grasp on power precarious.

 

The coalition’s fragile balance faces further strain due to the Senate, heavily influenced by Bhumjaithai’s Newin Chidchob, maintaining a significant say in appointments to judicial and anti-corruption agencies.

 

This control leaves Thaksin seeking covert alliances to ease legal pressures shadowing both himself and his daughter. Allegations of electoral misconduct by many senators complicate this delicate dance.

 

The judicial landscape could become a minefield for Paetongtarn as the Supreme Court examines her alleged dereliction of duty. Potential charges include misuse of power and evasion of taxes, alongside irregularities in land dealing and preferential treatment for Thaksin during his hospital stay.

 

The political situation teeters between legal threats and coalition instability, trapping Thaksin in a complex web of strategic plays.

 

 

 

Adding to the turbulence is Thaksin's push for casino legislation, which faces staunch resistance from Bahtjaithai, led by Chaichanok Chidchob.

 

While reshaping the coalition is an option, such moves risk backlash or failure without sufficient parliamentary support. Thaksin’s manoeuvres are further complicated by the need to maintain a delicate balance within the coalition to ensure continued governance.

 

Though tempted to dissolve parliament and call for elections, fears of defeat against the reformist People's party stall such decisions. With aspirations to secure a return for his sister Yingluck Shinawatra, Thaksin faces an intricate political landscape.

 

The ultimate challenge remains to keep the Pheu Thai-led bloc afloat, carefully navigating a path through these multifaceted political obstacles until the government’s term concludes in 2027.

 

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai Newsroom

 

-- 2025-04-21

 

 

[JoePai]

Always amazed nobody has tried to take a pop at him

[flyingtlger]

On 4/20/2025 at 6:03 PM, webfact said:

the de facto leader of Thailand's Pheu Thai party, is navigating a political conundrum as he steers the coalition government from behind the scenes.