Picture courtesy Thai Rath

 

Chiang Mai witnessed former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra tackling rumours head-on about potential unrest within Thailand's ruling coalition. The buzz that the Bhumjaithai Party may be shown the door from the coalition has been quashed by Thaksin, who asserts that any Cabinet reshuffle decisions are firmly in the hands of his daughter, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

 

Addressing the swirling speculations, Thaksin, a significant political figure, quashed claims of a potential ousting of Bhumjaithai, stating any changes would be wide-ranging across parties, not confined to the ruling Pheu Thai Party alone. Contrary to reports of rising frictions and a possible reshuffle involving PPRP replacing Bhumjaithai, Thaksin assured that no party is slated for opposition and that the coalition's structure remains steady.

 

He emphasised that any future adjustments are likely to be more about internal reshuffling rather than a complete overhaul of the coalition's existing form. Despite the noise, Thaksin confidently downplayed concerns about discontent or a need for cross-party defections, citing the coalition’s comfortable majority.

 

In a parallel political development, Thaksin dismissed a petition targeting his hospital detention, filed by former Democrat MP Charnchai Issarasenarak. This petition contends that Thaksin evaded serving any jail time, sparking calls for an in-depth probe. Meanwhile, the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) reinforced its disinterest in coalition talks, standing firm against joining forces with Pheu Thai under current circumstances.

 

The PPRP stance was articulated by party spokesman Police Lieutenant General Piya Tawichai, who reiterated that while decisions rest with General Prawit Wongsuwon, the message remains clear: no collaboration with Pheu Thai.

 

General Prawit’s firm stance leaves Pheu Thai navigating its complex interactions with Bhumjaithai amid concerns that upsetting the balance could stir Senate displeasure or prompt a withdrawal by members of the United Thai Nation Party.

 

Additionally, Pol. Lt. Gen. Piya turned the spotlight onto the government’s economic strategies, critiquing the proposed 500 billion baht borrowing plan in response to rising US trade tariffs. The financial gamble, he implied, casts shadows of doubt over the government’s repayment capabilities, presenting yet another challenge amidst the political undercurrents.

 

Thaksin’s dismissals and ongoing coalition dynamics highlight the political intricacies defining the landscape, with all eyes keenly watching any developing shifts or reshuffles that might alter the current power balance in Thailand.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-04-28

 

 

13 minutes ago, webfact said:

any Cabinet reshuffle decisions are firmly in the hands of his daughter, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

He should really try a late career as a stand up comedian

41 minutes ago, webfact said:

Thaksin, who asserts that any Cabinet reshuffle decisions are firmly in the hands of his daughter, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

 

Yes but who's holding her strings?

6 hours ago, webfact said:

The buzz that the Bhumjaithai Party may be shown the door from the coalition has been quashed by Thaksin, who asserts that any Cabinet reshuffle decisions are firmly in the hands of his daughter, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

 

 

 

7 hours ago, Gottfrid said:

He should really try a late career as a stand up comedian

Well, I have been trying for years and, so far, failed to get the Nobel prize.

And on the 7th day he rested. 

He’s the man still billions of dollars leave the country comes back doesn’t spend an hour in a jail release from my suite in the hospital and he’s back in politics TIT