Politics Ex-Red-Shirt Leader Warns of Crisis Amid Senate Vote Rigging Claims

[snoop1130]

Tida Thavornset. File photo courtesy of Thai PBS World

 

Tida Tawornseth, former leader of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), issued a stark warning on Monday about the potential for another political crisis in Thailand, possibly escalating to a military coup, if allegations of vote-fixing in last year's Senate election are not thoroughly investigated. Tida emphasized the gravity of these accusations and the urgent need for the Election Commission (EC) to address them comprehensively.

 

She criticised past oversights by the EC and warned that failing to conduct a thorough investigation could lead to controversy, setting the stage for unrest similar to previous crises. Tida also condemned politicians' attempts to manipulate the Senate's role in endorsing members of key public agencies, a move she claims undermines Thailand's democratic principles.

 

In her cautionary remarks, Tida urged political parties to prioritise national interests and avoid actions that could justify another coup. She also advised the military to refrain from involvement in politics, stressing, "If there is another coup, we'll be in a worse situation than a failed state. It will be beyond salvage."

 

Tida described the current political scenario as a crisis, despite the coalition between Pheu Thai and Bhumjaithai parties in government. Despite their complex relationship, Tida predicts the partnership will endure, motivated by their shared interest in maintaining power until the government completes its term.

 

Addressing Thaksin Shinawatra's situation, Tida suggested the former prime minister should not overly fear imprisonment, noting that many of his allies, including red-shirt members, have already served their sentences. She opined that Thaksin would not endure conditions as harsh as those experienced by younger activists and recommended he consider staying at the Corrections Hospital if incarcerated.

 

Tida also noted persistent issues within Pheu Thai, attributing them to the party's efforts to protect Thaksin. Her comments shed light on the intricate dynamics and challenges within Thai politics, as the nation grapples with allegations that could have far-reaching consequences.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-05-20

 

 

[ikke1959]

And the EC must be prosecuted too as they did not do their job properly as this is the result and proof.... 

[Gottfrid]

Looks to me that it´s really high time for her to enjoy life and retirement instead.

[newbee2022]

13 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

And the EC must be prosecuted too as they did not do their job properly as this is the result and proof.... 

Whom do you want to except from prosecutions??😳 

[Gandtee]

'And recommended considering staying in a Corrections Hospital?' So he can decide where he wants to serve his sentence, can he?

[ikke1959]

14 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

Whom do you want to except from prosecutions??😳 

hehehehehe ... nobody would be left 🙂

 

[newbee2022]

2 minutes ago, ikke1959 said:

hehehehehe ... nobody would be left 🙂

 

That's what I was thinking 😂

[klauskunkel]

16 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

the coalition between Pheu Thai and Bhumjaithai parties

Tida predicts the partnership will endure, motivated by their shared interest

Yes, motivation is everything... 

[Bert got kinky]

13 hours ago, Gottfrid said:

Looks to me that it´s really high time for her to enjoy life and retirement instead.

 

Why?

This young lady does not have a grey hair on her head.

 

[kingstonkid]

35 minutes ago, klauskunkel said:

Yes, motivation is everything... 

 

It's not the motivation to stay in power asuch as it is the motivation for PTP to stay relevant.  BJT has a strong hold but PTP is a linking ship.

 

They know that they are not going to be able to defeat PP.

 

Smart thing for thaksin is to leave the country or to be smarter and get in the weeds quietly 

[OneManShow]

17 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Democracy against Dictatorship

Beautiful words 🤔 that were used by some others as well around the world when a mantis dresses as a butterfly. 
Personally I never forget what happened in Bangkok. 

[klauskunkel]

55 minutes ago, kingstonkid said:

1 hour ago, klauskunkel said:

Yes, motivation is everything... 

 

It's not the motivation to stay in power asuch as it is the motivation for PTP to stay relevant.

In my opinion they have a shared motivation to amass as much personal wealth as possible while in power, and to enjoy the perks and ego-stroking while they're at it.

[JJ-Thailand]

Somebody going back to Dubai? 

[hotchilli]

16 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

And the EC must be prosecuted too as they did not do their job properly as this is the result and proof.... 

EC is as rigged as the senate...

[ronnie50]

3 hours ago, newbee2022 said:

Whom do you want to except from prosecutions??😳 

The EC is a joke. It's a tool of the establishment to thwart any attempt by the majority of Thai people to elect the government they want. Always has been as far as I can remember - at least 15-20 years. Then there's the 'courts'.. but never mind.

[Bert got kinky]

1 hour ago, hotchilli said:

EC is as rigged as the senate...

 

I believe that by use of proxy's, Thaksin is the boss of both of these organisations. 😆

 

[Caldera]

The more I see of this current government, the more I miss General Prayuth and his fellows.

 

I have the feeling that this sentiment is shared by some Thais as well, at the very least there's considerable disappointment. 

[hotchilli]

31 minutes ago, Bert got kinky said:

 

I believe that by use of proxy's, Thaksin is the boss of both of these organisations. 😆

 

These two plus a few more

[candide]

55 minutes ago, Bert got kinky said:

 

I believe that by use of proxy's, Thaksin is the boss of both of these organisations. 😆

 

The old elite is the boss, as it de facto controls appointments, under stratospheric supervision. Thaksin is just another puppet, to a significantly large extent.