Politics Thaksin Plays it Safe: Keeps Bhumjaithai in Government Fold

[webfact]

Picture composite courtesy of PPTVHD36

 

In a strategic manoeuvre, Thaksin Shinawatra is reportedly choosing to maintain his grip on power by opting not to expel Bhumjaithai from the ruling coalition. This decision comes amidst warnings about potential "serious trouble" with the powerful elite who arranged his return to Thailand without imprisonment.

 

Despite ongoing conflicts, Thaksin seems intent on avoiding a showdown that could risk his daughter's position as Prime Minister and escalate his own legal woes.

 

The Bhumjaithai Party, led de facto by Newin Chidchob, stands as the second-largest coalition partner, often perceived as an ultra-conservative ally of the country's elite. Internal squatters persist over contentious issues like the proposed casino legislation intended to boost tourism revenues.

 

The plan has critics worried about its potential to foster vice and money laundering, pitting Thaksin’s agenda against broader conservative values.

 

Despite familial pressure from his sister, Yingluck Shinawatra, urging the ousting of Newin’s camp, Thaksin appears to be opting for stability. The stakes include his ability to influence the coalition and support his daughter’s administration without igniting elite opposition.

 

 

 

However, whispers about a cabinet reshuffle suggest Thaksin could reclaim strategic portfolios like the interior ministry, thus reconfiguring the power dynamics without outright eviction.

 

As Thaksin continues to play his cards close to his chest, his political chess game underscores a lively, if precarious, high-wire act. Balancing commitments with his ambitions, the seasoned de facto leader seems poised to tread carefully, keeping his allies close, even if they’re reputed adversaries.

 

Thaksin aims to solidify Pheu Thai's leadership while ensuring economic policies align with his vision, despite resistance from conservative holdouts.

 

As rumblings of political recalibration continue, Thaksin's manoeuvrings demonstrate a classic case of political pragmatism aimed at consolidating power and ensuring his family's influence remains robust throughout Thailand's tempestuous political landscape.

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai Newsroom 2025-04-23

 

 

 

[dinsdale]

43 minutes ago, webfact said:

In a strategic manoeuvre, Thaksin Shinawatra is reportedly choosing to maintain his grip on power by opting not to expel Bhumjaithai from the ruling coalition. This decision comes amidst warnings about potential "serious trouble" with the powerful elite who arranged his return to Thailand without imprisonment.

Possibly one of the most accurate statements in an article about Thaksin the puppet master PM I've ever seen.

[Gottfrid]

2 hours ago, webfact said:

This decision comes amidst warnings about potential "serious trouble" with the powerful elite who arranged his return to Thailand without imprisonment.

So, now they finally go straight out with that powerful elite circumvented the rules and laws in Thailand to make arrangements for Thaksin to come home and be a free man. How would it be to jial that powerful elite for breaking the laws, as well as put the Interim PM in prison as well.

[watchcat]

9 hours ago, Gottfrid said:

How would it be to jial that powerful elite for breaking the laws, as well as put the Interim PM in prison as well.

 

Sounds fine to me.

[Will B Good]

Poor girl.....you heart has to go out to his daughter......she must be mortified at finding herself in this position.

[jippytum]

Thaksin's jail free deal is being compromised and the elite who circumvented the rules to allow his freedom now require payback. 

To save his daughter's position as PM and mouthplece he has to lower his expectations including Yingluck's return to Thsiland  jail free. 

[hotchilli]

17 hours ago, webfact said:

In a strategic manoeuvre, Thaksin Shinawatra is reportedly choosing to maintain his grip on power by opting not to expel Bhumjaithai from the ruling coalition.

He understands that if the Bhumjaithai party depart then PTP is finished.

It will remain a fractured coalition but both understand they need to stay in power, so will put up with shaky alliances.

[hotchilli]

15 hours ago, Gottfrid said:

So, now they finally go straight out with that powerful elite circumvented the rules and laws in Thailand to make arrangements for Thaksin to come home and be a free man. How would it be to jial that powerful elite for breaking the laws, as well as put the Interim PM in prison as well.

Never in a million years, the combined wealth and connections of the corrupt elite will always prevail and rise above any written law.

[Pouatchee]

18 hours ago, webfact said:

his political chess game underscores a lively, if precarious, high-wire act

 

reminds me of humpty dumpty but here it is taksin on a high wire instead of a wall. I hope he falls and cracks his shell into thousands of little pieces

[Aussie999]

Wait, isn't this direct meddling in politics.

Khun Thaksin Dek Mai Dee