File photo

 

Thamanat Prompow, chief adviser of the Klatham Party, has dismissed remarks made by Thaksin Shinawatra regarding the party’s latest political shift. This change sees Klatham supporting the Bhumjaithai Party, led by Anutin Charnvirakul, over Thaksin's Pheu Thai Party for Thailand’s next prime minister.

 

Despite Thaksin expressing regret over his previous trust in Thamanat, the Klatham adviser remains unfazed. As he celebrated his 60th birthday, Thamanat said he appreciates the support he has received in the past but is looking forward. He emphasised that the party's decision wasn't based merely on dwindling confidence in Pheu Thai but rather on pursuing a more constructive path for the nation.

 

Thamanat reiterated his respect for Klatham's decision to back Bhumjaithai, along with the broader goal of forming an effective government. This move, according to him, aligns with efforts to resolve Thailand’s ongoing political stalemate.

 

Addressing rumours about potentially taking a cabinet position, Thamanat denied any deals in exchange for his support. He maintained that no promises were made, including speculation about him becoming the interior minister if Bhumjaithai forms the government, reported the Bangkok Post.

 

The Klatham Party, while nominally under the leadership of Narumon Pinyosinwat, is heavily influenced by Thamanat, especially due to its composition of MPs who previously supported the pro-junta Palang Pracharath Party.

 

Thamanat’s checkered past includes a four-year imprisonment in Australia for heroin smuggling. However, a 2021 Constitutional Court decision affirmed that foreign convictions don't bar individuals from serving as MPs or ministers in Thailand.

 

The political landscape remains dynamic as parties like Klatham and Bhumjaithai navigate Thailand's future governance amid current controversies and alliances.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-09-04

 

 

4 hours ago, webfact said:

Thamanat said he appreciates the support he has received in the past but is looking forward. He emphasised that the party's decision wasn't based merely on dwindling confidence in Pheu Thai but rather on pursuing a more constructive path for the nation.

Rats jumping ship, he saw PTP on the slide and has aligned himself with another party

6 hours ago, webfact said:

a 2021 Constitutional Court decision affirmed that foreign convictions don't bar individuals from serving as MPs or ministers in Thailand

I'm idly wondering if individuals with foreign criminal convictions could be appointed to the Constitutional Court... 

... and if not, why is that? Are CC judges (law interpreters) held to  higher ethics than people who make laws?

... and if yes, then I'm not surprised at all, and actually quite relieved that everyone operates by the same low standards.

Thamanat is also a complete embarrassment to Thailand, its political system and its people. Convicted drug dealer who got booked four years in Australia and now being basically the only correct, official example of Thai politics. 

But, as long as the Thais follow those crooks, thieves and liars .............  like sheep. They follow their leader and are scared of the sheperd's dog, while the leader and not the Sheperd's dog leads the sheep into the slaughterhouse. Never heard a more befitting comparison to the local interpretation of "democracy". 

Eventually they will have elections, with or without Anutin's approval. 2019 the courts threw out 6+ million votes, 2023 the courts threw out 14+ million votes so now I am wondering, what the next election will result in. Thaksin is toast as he was not willing to read the writing on the wall since 2006 and meanwhile destroyed his, his sister's and his daughter's reputation and future. Arguably they all will not have to worry financially and Paetongtarn confirmed to traveling media during her last visit to London, that she was looking at schools for her children. Well, maybe that was a good thing as there is more than plenty of loose change to be burnt left, right and centre.