In the bustling heart of Bangkok, Gen Prawit Wongsuwon, the steadfast leader of the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), chaired a vital meeting at the party’s headquarters on Friday. As cameras flashed and journalists scribbled notes, one thing became abundantly clear: despite his and his party’s notable exclusion from the new coalition government, Prawit’s political sway remains as formidable as ever.
Political pundits have been abuzz, speculating that Pheu Thai’s newfound partnership with the Democrat Party is more of a cunning maneuver than a bona fide olive branch. “The game is not over yet,” insists Sathit Wongnongtoei, a former Democrat Party MP. “Everyone is well aware of Gen Prawit’s extensive network within the political and independent sectors.”
According to Sathit, Pheu Thai’s exclusion of the PPRP from the coalition led by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is no mere oversight. Rather, it’s a calculated move, with Prawit’s connections stirring suspicion. The general’s absence during pivotal votes, notably for Prime Ministers Paetongtarn and Srettha, fueled rumors of dissatisfaction, leading some to believe that Thaksin Shinawatra, Pheu Thai’s behind-the-scenes maestro, orchestrated Prawit’s exclusion as retaliation.
Amidst this whirlwind of strategic play, Friday’s PPRP meeting saw Prawit reaffirmed as party leader. Paiboon Nititawan stepped into the role of secretary-general, following the resignation of Capt Thamanat Prompow and his faction of five party executives, a move deepening the party’s internal rift. Despite their resignation from executive roles, Thamanat and his cohort cleverly retained their MP status by holding onto their party memberships.
Add another twist to the plot: party factions are splitting like amoebas – Thamanat’s faction, comprising nearly half of the party’s MPs, declared independence while preserving their parliamentary seats. Simultaneously, some members of this breakaway group are stepping into ministerial roles, adding more drama to an already charged political atmosphere.
On the other side of the aisle, the alliance between Pheu Thai and the Democrats has drawn skepticism. “Thaksin’s grudge against the Democrats runs deep,” observes Sathit, recalling the fiery censure debates that brought numerous legal challenges to Thaksin’s doorstep during his prime ministership. The specter of past political battles haunts this new alliance, casting doubt on its sincerity. Thaksin’s strategy could be seen as Machiavellian – align with former adversaries to dismantle them from within.
The democrats’ acceptance of cabinet roles is perceived by many as a desperate move for survival. Chalermchai Sri-on and Dech-it Khaothong stepping into roles as Natural Resources Minister and Deputy Public Health Minister, respectively, has sparked debates on whether this coalition represents a genuine effort for reconciliation or a scheming power grab. “It’s far removed from any genuine sign of political reconciliation,” contends Sathit, expressing a sentiment echoed by disheartened voters.
Notably, the alliance has even met resistance within Democratic ranks. Party stalwarts like Chuan Leekpai, Banyat Bantadtan, and Jurin Laksanawisit voiced vehement opposition to any coalition with Pheu Thai, highlighting a growing schism in party ideology.
Nattacha Boonchaiinsawat, a People’s Party MP – representing a reincarnated version of the dissolved Move Forward Party – observes that Gen Prawit, with his deep-rooted connections, remains a potent force in Thai politics. “The battle for power between Prawit and Thaksin is far from over,” he quips, predicting continued turbulence ahead. Nattacha believes that Pheu Thai’s alliance with the Democrats is nothing more than a veiled ploy to consolidate power and weaken opposition.
Meanwhile, Suriyasai Katasila of Rangsit University opines that the “Three Por” generals, a once-unshakable triumvirate of power, are seeing their influence wane. Gen Prayut now distances himself from political battlefields as a privy councillor, and Gen Anupong has stepped out of the political limelight, leaving Prawit more isolated than before. Yet, Prawit’s capabilities for backroom maneuverings, such as directing PPRP member Ruangkrai Leekitwattana to rattle political rivals with strategic complaints, should not be underestimated.
The Democrats’ decision to join the coalition government comes with a cost, warns Suriyasai. “They had to swallow their pride for survival, but at a steep price – the erosion of voter support.” Jurin Laksanawisit’s resignation as party leader in the wake of a disappointing election result underscores the fragile state of the party, now grappling with its ideological compromises.
As Thailand’s political saga unfolds, the intricate dances of power, strategy, and rivalry continue to captivate observers, leaving voters in suspense over the next act in this ever-complex drama.
Gen Prawit is a dinosaur in Thai politics. It’s time for fresh faces!
Fresh faces don’t mean fresh ideas. Experience matters.
But old ideas won’t fix new problems!
Prawit’s experience is exactly what the country needs.
Experience is one thing, but clinging to power without progress is harmful.
Thaksin and Prawit’s rivalry is like a never-ending soap opera.
More like a game of chess. Both are strategic masterminds.
But it’s the people who suffer while these games are played.
The Democrats aligning with Pheu Thai is just pure hypocrisy!
They’re just trying to survive in a hostile political climate.
It’s survival of the fittest out there. Can’t blame them.
This coalition government is built on shaky ground. It won’t last.
Totally agree. Too many conflicting interests.
Sometimes unlikely alliances can bring about the most change.
Are Thaksin’s Machiavellian tactics ever good for democracy?
Ethically questionable, but sometimes necessary in politics.
Good point! Democracy needs transparency, not schemes.
Prawit still wields a lot of influence, despite recent events.
He’s a master of the backroom deals.
Exactly. His connections are extensive and powerful.
The people deserve better than this constant political infighting.
Thailand’s political landscape is like a never-ending chess game.
The Democrats joining Pheu Thai is a betrayal of their core values.
Prawit’s political maneuvers are fascinating to observe.
True, but is it good for the country’s stability?
Both Thaksin and Prawit are relics of the past. Thailand needs new leadership.
Is Thaksin’s grudge against the Democrats justified?
Politics is personal in Thailand, so probably.
The alliance between Pheu Thai and the Democrats won’t last long.
Pheu Thai’s strategy is more about weakening opposition than governance.
Gen Prawit’s backroom tactics are legendary, but is it what Thailand needs?
Sometimes old methods are the best.
But innovation and fresh ideas need to be prioritized for real progress.
The current political scenario is just a rearrangement of old power structures.
Allowing faction splits within the PPRP is a sign of Prawit’s weakening grip.
Power distribution often leads to more strategic control in the long run.
The ideological compromise within the Democrats will hurt their future.
Thai politics never fails to entertain!
Strategic complaints like those of Ruangkrai Leekitwattana are classic Prawit.
Political survival seems to take precedence over genuine governance.
Moving forward, Thailand needs less focus on personalities and more on policies.