Analysis Thaksin's Triple Trouble: Pheu Thai Faces High-Stakes Challenges

[webfact]

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra arrives at the office of narcotics control board in Bangkok, Thailand, Tuesday, May 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

 

This week's political spotlight in Thailand centres around three major events tied to former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, posing potential threats to the stability of the Pheu Thai-led government. On the agenda are critical meetings on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday that might test the resilience of key national institutions and the government's credibility.

 

The first of these pivotal events is the Medical Council of Thailand's (MCT) meeting, set to take place on June 12. Members will vote on whether to uphold their disciplinary actions against three doctors accused of misusing their positions to benefit Thaksin.

 

Previously, they helped facilitate Thaksin's hospital stay instead of him serving his sentence in prison. While the MCT originally suspended the licences of two doctors and issued a warning to another, Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin vetoed these decisions, raising questions about political interference. The MCT's reaffirmation of their initial resolution could signal a stand against political pressure.

 

The next day, the Supreme Court is scheduled to commence its inquiry into the Department of Corrections' decision to allow Thaksin's confinement in a hospital rather than a prison cell.

 

This investigation seeks to determine whether undue privileges were extended to Thaksin, shedding light on potential biases in the justice system. Questions around the legitimacy of Thaksin's hospitalisation, possible misconduct by officials, and the former prime minister's potential court appearance are all areas of interest.

 

These proceedings could set significant legal precedents regarding the treatment of political figures within the judicial system.

 

Capping off the series of events is the June 14 Thai–Cambodian Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) meeting in Phnom Penh.

 

This gathering follows heightened military tensions after a deadly border clash in late May. Accusations between Thai and Cambodian forces have escalated nationalistic sentiments, complicating diplomatic efforts.

 

Thai military officials accuse Cambodia of territorial breaches, prompting tighter border controls. The government's approach, perceived by some as lenient due to Thaksin's historical ties with former Cambodian prime minister Hun Sen, is under scrutiny.

 

The outcome of the JBC meeting may influence Thailand's geopolitical stance and domestic confidence in the government's leadership.

 

Collectively, these events highlight the complex interplay of legal, political, and international pressures circling Thaksin and his impactful legacy on current Thai politics.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-06-09

 

 

[JimHuaHin]

Time for Taksin to go.

[ikke1959]

They should never allowed him to come back.... The whole family must be banned from the country

[blaze master]

7 minutes ago, ikke1959 said:

They should never allowed him to come back.... The whole family must be banned from the country

 

It amazes me how its all done so nonchalant. Hes running the country.