Composite courtesy of Amarin TV via Thai Newsroom

 

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is reportedly considering dissolving Thailand's House of Representatives earlier than expected, according to partisan sources. Concerns are rising over the influence of Thaksin Shinawatra, the de facto leader of the Pheu Thai party, who might gain an advantage if released from prison before the elections. Thaksin’s presence could potentially sway northeastern and northern constituencies, posing a threat to Anutin’s coalition.

 

Previously, Anutin pledged to dissolve the House in January, with elections to follow within 60 days. However, there is speculation that he might change this timeline to early next month. This change could hinder Thaksin's parole release prior to the elections, anticipated to take place between early February and late March.

 

Anutin, who also serves as the interior minister and Bhumjaithai party leader, is under pressure to tackle money-laundering issues linked to high-profile figures. Sources suggest an early dissolution of the House could preclude debate on these issues while keeping Thaksin behind bars during the election period.

 

As the political landscape shifts, former Pheu Thai MPs seeking re-election might defect to Newin Chidchob’s camp within the Bhumjaithai party or the Klatham. Thammanat Prompao, the Deputy Prime Minister, leads this coalition partner. Meanwhile, it remains uncertain if former transport minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit will serve as a major financial sponsor for Pheu Thai candidates.

 

The role of the Sam Mit Group, a faction inside Pheu Thai led by Somsak Thepsuthin and Suriya, also remains uncertain. Their decision to stay with Thaksin's camp or switch allegiances could impact the electoral outcome significantly. Despite uncertain financial backing under new leadership, Thaksin’s imprint on the campaign is likely to be significant, albeit potentially partial, reported Thai Newsroom.

 

Thaksin’s family has historically been the main sponsor for Pheu Thai campaigns. However, with Paetongtarn Shinawatra stepping down and Julapun Amornvivat taking over as the Pheu Thai leader, the Shinawatra family's continued financial support remains uncertain. While Thaksin remains incarcerated, his influence in the political realm poses both opportunities and challenges for various stakeholders.

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Anutin may dissolve the House earlier than anticipated due to concerns over Thaksin's influence.
• Speculation suggests elections could be moved to prevent Thaksin impacting the vote.
• Uncertainty surrounds financial backing for Pheu Thai candidates amidst leadership changes.

Related Stories:

Thaksin Sentenced to 1 Year in Prison Over Hospital Leave Case 

Thaksin Might Serve Longer Prison Term After New Charges

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from [THai Newsroom 2025-11-13

 

 

Q. What's the differnce between Thaksin and a bad fart?  A. A bad fart will eventually go away.

Don't see Thaksin being in-side making too much difference to his influence. You can bet the family jewels on him having full access to his phone and what ever else he needs to run his operation unhinded. 

I would not be surprised if Tony ran again after he gets out of the slamer...

Endless entertainment for we foreign observers.

I don't think any one pays never no minds to all guys up there playing their game as to who will be what

and when, they so far detached from the street level people that they might as well be tussling and

positioning themselves to this or that position in another country and no one would care.

1 hour ago, redwood1 said:

I would not be surprised if Tony ran again after he gets out of the slamer...

That maybe not a bad idea at least way may even get a better exchange rate for our money. As for Thai politics I say up to them.

2 hours ago, redwood1 said:

I would not be surprised if Tony ran again after he gets out of the slamer...

can not he is a convicted felon 

2 hours ago, redwood1 said:

I would not be surprised if Tony ran again after he gets out of the slamer...

 

I'd  like the idea if he did a runner to Dubai, he still needs his doctors to verify that he is really sick. he  could  bring Ying luck, but the airhead you could forget...

An off topic post trolling about Trump and a reply has been removed.

4 hours ago, webfact said:

Concerns are rising over the influence of Thaksin Shinawatra, the de facto leader of the Pheu Thai party, who might gain an advantage if released from prison before the elections.

 

What influense can he have inside the slammer?

12 minutes ago, watchcat said:

 

What influense can he have inside the slammer?

Same as outside. 

On 11/13/2025 at 7:58 AM, mfd101 said:

Endless entertainment for we foreign observers.

Lucky we are considered guests... 

32 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

Lucky we are considered guests... 

Far to many seem to forget we guests  and should tone down there comments and mind there own affairs.

On 11/13/2025 at 6:51 AM, Artisi said:

Don't see Thaksin being in-side making too much difference to his influence. You can bet the family jewels on him having full access to his phone and what ever else he needs to run his operation unhinded. 

Highly probable, he's probably got a private sweet in the prison hospital with his favourite wines and communication set up 

Does anyone know where he's actually sleeping in the prison, I read somewhere he's in the hospital wing because of his age and medical condition, but he might be in the spare room of the governors residence 

I'm just not buying it. I know a lot of people from Issan, and not a single one of them still supports this goon, many that I know who previously loved him, adored him, and respected him have completely abandoned him, and I can't imagine that he really holds much influence at this point.

 

I think he's beyond irrelevant. 

11 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

I'm just not buying it. I know a lot of people from Issan, and not a single one of them still supports this goon, many that I know who previously loved him, adored him, and respected him have completely abandoned him, and I can't imagine that he really holds much influence at this point.

 

I think he's beyond irrelevant. 

To alot of the diehards he still holds sway.  Him attending a function brings people and press.

 

 

On 11/13/2025 at 9:56 AM, MikeandDow said:

can not he is a convicted felon 

Well for that matter who is the current serving member that was convicted of Heroin possession in Australia. Oh but that was in a foreign country so that doesnt count!!

On 11/13/2025 at 6:44 AM, webfact said:

Anutin pledged to dissolve the House in January, with elections to follow within 60 days.

Yes, that timeline is required by the Constitution. Albeit the exact date within the 60 days must be confirmed by the Election Commission.

On 11/13/2025 at 6:44 AM, webfact said:

there is speculation that he might change this timeline to early next month.

Only IF the EC agrees. It can insist on up to 60 days.

The Senate approves EC members to serve on of the Election Commission. Recently filling the two vacant positions. Senate members are not elected in the National election but selected  by a special commission.

My impression of recent senate members is that the RTM has a large degree of influence dating back to the 2014 military coup.

 

On 11/13/2025 at 9:56 AM, MikeandDow said:

can not he is a convicted felon 

And you appear to be almost criminally naive

23 hours ago, watchcat said:

 

What influense can he have inside the slammer?

Is that a serious question, ?   

59 minutes ago, paul1804 said:

Well for that matter who is the current serving member that was convicted of Heroin possession in Australia. Oh but that was in a foreign country so that doesnt count!!

Try that as a farang in Thailand - see if you can claim it's ok as my conviction doesn't count as it was o/s. 

1 minute ago, Artisi said:

Try that as a farang in Thailand - see if you can claim it's ok as my conviction doesn't count as it was o/s. 

 Try What ?     None of my UK convictions have had any bearing on my life here,   I doubt any "farang" would even think of trying to enter Thai politics 

1 hour ago, Bday Prang said:

 Try What ?     None of my UK convictions have had any bearing on my life here,   I doubt any "farang" would even think of trying to enter Thai politics 

Talking a load of BS     

Yes, you can likely enter Thailand with a UK conviction, but it depends on the nature and severity of the offense

. For short tourist stays under the visa exemption, you are not asked about criminal records on the arrival card. However, you may be denied entry if your conviction is recent, serious, or involves drugs/violent offenses, especially if you are attempting to get a long-term visa. 

 Farang cannot enter Thai politics  Have to be Thai citizens by birth

9 minutes ago, MikeandDow said:

Talking a load of BS     

Yes, you can likely enter Thailand with a UK conviction, but it depends on the nature and severity of the offense

. For short tourist stays under the visa exemption, you are not asked about criminal records on the arrival card. However, you may be denied entry if your conviction is recent, serious, or involves drugs/violent offenses, especially if you are attempting to get a long-term visa. 

 Farang cannot enter Thai politics  Have to be Thai citizens by birth

 

"However, you may be denied entry if your conviction is recent, serious, or involves drugs/violent offences,......."

 

 

Odd, when you consider the defence that was put forward re: Thamanat

 

 

13 minutes ago, Will B Good said:

 

"However, you may be denied entry if your conviction is recent, serious, or involves drugs/violent offences,......."

 

 

Odd, when you consider the defence that was put forward re: Thamanat

 

 

why would Thamanat want a visa or be denied entry into thailand 

Just now, MikeandDow said:

why would Thamanat want a visa or be denied entry into thailand 

 

Can't tell if you're joking or not?

Just now, Will B Good said:

 

Can't tell if you're joking or not?

talking about farang entry into Thailand with a criminal record 

Just now, MikeandDow said:

talking about farang entry into Thailand with a criminal record 

 

Okay.

 

The 'joke' is that Thamanat served four years for drug offences, yet he is now/has been a prominent politician, cabinet member, party leader................and he was defended on the basis that drug offences committed in another country don't count in Thailand.

7 minutes ago, Will B Good said:

 

Okay.

 

The 'joke' is that Thamanat served four years for drug offences, yet he is now/has been a prominent politician, cabinet member, party leader................and he was defended on the basis that drug offences committed in another country don't count in Thailand.

this is very old news but was not the point of discussion