The political stage in Thailand is once again alive with dramatic twists, as renowned activist Ruangkrai Leekitwattana takes another swing at Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Known for his relentless determination, Ruangkrai has lodged a petition with the Election Commission (EC), urging them to scrutinize the recent adviser appointments made by the premier. The appointments in question involve Surapong Suebwonglee and Nattawut Saikua, both of whom have rather colorful histories involving time behind bars.
Surapong, once at the helm of the finance ministry, and Nattawut, a former Pheu Thai family director, have indeed trodden the hallowed halls of justice, having been sentenced by the Supreme Court. Despite their legal baggage, on September 16 and October 4, respectively, PM Paetongtarn installed them in advisory roles. Questions have since abounded over whether this move waltzed across ethical boundaries, setting the stage for what could be a political tango of epic proportions.
Let’s rewind a touch to unpack the scene: On August 14, a ruling from the Constitutional Court cast shadows over former PM Srettha Thavisin due to a perceived flop in ethical judgement. His untimely political exit was hastened by an association with Pichit Chuenban, a convicted felon swept up in a bribery scandal, who was questionably appointed to a cabinet role, blowing whistles of ethical concerns. Ruangkrai, with his hawk-eyed scrutiny, is drawing a parallel to this ruling with Paetongtarn’s choice of advisers, suggesting she too might be on thin ice.
If the Election Commission sights any fishy ground for Ruangkrai’s allegations, the call is to fast-track the matter to the same Constitutional Court. There, under Sections 170 and 160, a decision akin to wielding a judicial sledgehammer could be made. Such a move would likely put Paetongtarn’s premier hat into a precarious spin, potentially sidelining her premiership until the court’s gavel falls firmly.
Now, dusting off the history books, we find Surapong’s past peppered with legal speed bumps. In 2016, he was tagged with a one-year jail term—speculative whispers speak of a shareholding snafu tied to Thaicom. As if it wasn’t juicy enough, he also bagged a suspended sentence for a separate 2008 case of malfeasance, keeping tongues wagging across the nation. Fast forward to September, his appointment as deputy chairman on the advisory panel spotlights him anew.
Switching to Nattawut’s chapter of notoriety, the past wasn’t exactly kind. Leading a rather enthusiastic protest in 2007, the co-leader of the fierce red-shirt United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship found himself on the wrong side of the law. The location? Outside the abode of the then-respected Privy Council president Prem Tinsulanonda. Fast-forward to 2020, and voila, he was handed a two-year and eight-month prison sentence.
After dust settled and years rolled by, October 4 saw his name inked anew as an add-on member of the adviser panel, stirring a mix of eyebrows and murmurs. The appointments have certainly added a fresh layer of excitement to Thailand’s political skyline, leaving national watchers breathless, popcorn in hand, as the theatre of power intrigue unfolds.
It’s shocking that PM Paetongtarn is making these kinds of advisor appointments. Aren’t there cleaner options available?
Maybe these advisors bring unique experiences from their past. Bad boys turned good?
Sounds more like a Hollywood script than a political strategy.
Exactly. This is politics, not a redemption story. We need people with integrity.
Sometimes, having a past gives them perspective. Who better to navigate tricky waters?
Ruangkrai is just stirring the pot again. Is he ever satisfied with the state of things?
Well, someone’s gotta keep the government in check, right? Better him than no one.
He’s a watchdog, but there’s a thin line between scrutiny and harassment.
Sure, but at what point does it become counterproductive? There’s a time to let things settle.
If history has told us anything, it’s that people rarely change. These advisors’ pasts should be a red flag!
Or maybe their pasts are exactly why we should listen to them. They’ve seen both sides of the coin.
The premier should know better. With corruption rampant, these choices make things worse.
Are we seriously surprised at this point? Thai politics is a never-ending drama.
True, but does that mean we should just roll over and accept it?
No, but it doesn’t hurt to keep expectations low and stay vocal when needed.
I believe everyone deserves a second chance. Let’s see how they perform before judging.
In a politically volatile country like Thailand, appointments like these could be strategic power moves.
True, but strategic doesn’t equal ethical. Politics should be more than a game of chess.
I’m tired of seeing corrupt people getting positions of power. It’s such a waste of leadership potential.
Agreed! Positions of influence should go to the ethically sound, not to those with dark shadows.
We’ll just have to wait and see if the EC does anything. But they could be just as biased.
Ruangkrai is clearly a man on a mission. Sometimes it’s better to have critics than yes-men.
That only works if he’s doing it for the right reasons. Publicity doesn’t help anyone in power.
Thai politics remains a mystery. Is this a step backward or forward for the country?
Depends on who you ask. It’s a forward step for some and backward for others.
I just hope it doesn’t discourage the youth from engaging in political discourse.
If the court finds them unfit, it’s on them. Ruangkrai’s job is to question, even if it’s inconvenient.
You can’t make political progress without making some enemies. That’s politics for you.
Theatre, indeed! This could be a distraction from larger, more pressing issues.