Sondhi Limthongkul, a former leader of the yellow-shirt People’s Assembly for Democracy, has announced that he will keep a close eye on the government’s actions until early next year before making a decision on whether to initiate mass protests. (File photo)
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has urged Sondhi Limthongkul, the erstwhile protest leader, to reconsider his plans for a massive anti-government rally next year. Paetongtarn suggested that Sondhi, the once-co-leader of the now-defunct People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD), should try resolving his grievances with the government first before going down the protest route.
“I’ve only been in office for barely a month. Does he really want to oust me already?” she asked rhetorically, adding a touch of humor to an otherwise serious situation.
On his recent YouTube program, Sondhi, the former media giant and founder of the Manager group, announced his contemplations to rekindle mass protests against the government. The PAD, born in 2005, led fervent rallies against the administration of Thaksin Shinawatra, Paetongtarn’s father, accusing him of corruption and anti-monarchy sentiments. The government was subsequently toppled by a military coup a year later.
When Thaksin-affiliated parties secured a win in the 2007 general election, Sondhi led PAD protesters onto the streets once more. Their most striking stint was in November 2008, when they orchestrated a 10-day shutdown of Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi airports, which incurred economic losses amounting to billions of baht. The movement eventually dissolved in 2013, and in January last year, Sondhi and 31 others were acquitted of insurrection charges.
In 2009, Sondhi faced a near-death experience when his car was ambushed by gunmen, leading to a severe head wound that demanded emergency surgery. While no one has been prosecuted for the attack, his son speculated that factions within the military or police could have been involved.
Adding another twist to his storied life, in 2016, the Supreme Court upheld a 20-year prison sentence against Sondhi for falsifying documents to secure a 1-billion baht loan for his businesses from Krungthai Bank. However, he received a royal pardon and was released from jail in September 2019.
As Sondhi approaches his 77th birthday next month, he shared with his viewers this week his intention to vigilantly monitor the government till the first quarter of next year. He mentioned that he will be on the lookout for any misconduct or ethical malfeasance, which could be the spark for another protest.
Sondhi needs to learn to let go. How many times can he fight the same battle?
Exactly! He’s been fighting ghosts of the past. Isn’t it time to pass the torch?
This isn’t about the past! This is about holding the government responsible!
Holding the government accountable is important, but it seems like Sondhi has a personal vendetta.
Interesting perspective, but history tends to repeat itself. If he’s really seeing problems, why not act?
Good point, Maya. Maybe waiting until next year is a wise move; we’ll see if anything changes.
Paetongtarn is just getting started. Give her a chance to govern first!
Agree wholeheartedly. It’s like Sondhi is sabotaging before they’ve even had a chance to prove themselves.
Paetongtarn comes from a lineage of corruption. Why should we assume she will be any different?
Honestly, Thailand deserves leaders who aren’t just relics of old conflicts. Fresh faces, fresh starts.
Leaders with fresh ideas, yes, but the baggage of the past is hard to shake off, isn’t it?
True, Greg. Let’s hope the new generation can break the cycle.
But history teaches us that it’s usually those who remember the past who can guide the future. Ignoring experienced voices can be risky.
Why hasn’t Sondhi faced more legal consequences for his actions? He seems to live above the law.
That’s a valid question. His 20-year prison sentence was pardoned too quickly.
Well, he did get a royal pardon. That speaks volumes about his connections.
Connections or corruption? Hard to distinguish sometimes.
Mass protests just harm the economy. Isn’t there a better way to solve disputes?
Sure, but protests have historically been the voice of the people. Sometimes they are necessary.
Necessary, but at what cost? There needs to be a balance.
Sondhi’s playing with fire, especially given his age and past experiences.
Thaksin made his bed, and now his daughter has to sleep in it. She should fix ancestral mistakes.
How can we hope for stability when old and influential figures can’t move on?
Exactly. Sondhi’s obsession with the past overshadows any progress we could be making.
Sondhi has every right to protest. Freedom of speech, remember?
Yes, but there’s a fine line between peaceful protest and economic sabotage.
Paetongtarn should address the root issues Sondhi is talking about. Maybe there’s some truth there.
Military involvement in politics is always concerning. Let’s keep them out of it this time.
If Sondhi cared about the nation, he’d focus on constructive dialogue, not relentless opposition.
Relentless opposition is sometimes the only thing that keeps a government in check.
If Paetongtarn is sincere about her intentions, she should openly meet with Sondhi and discuss solutions.
Political dynasties are always problematic. New leadership needs to emerge from outside these circles.
We need political reforms that prevent lifelong leaders and family dynasties from dominating the scene.