In the vibrant political landscape of Thailand, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has once again stepped into the limelight, wielding his considerable influence and charisma. On November 14, Thaksin was spotted rallying support for the Pheu Thai Party during a spirited campaign event in Ban Dung district, Udon Thani. This colorful occasion saw Thaksin lending his star power to the party’s candidate, who was poised for the November 17 Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) chair election—a date marked with anticipation and political fervor.
Hot on the heels of this successful venture, Thaksin is extending his campaign tour to several strategic locations, including Ubon Ratchathani, Chiang Mai, and Si Sa Ket. Fresh from the triumph in Udon Thani, sources reveal that Thaksin has planned a visit to Ubon Ratchathani on December 11, coinciding with the first day of candidacy applications. This stopover will see Thaksin intermingling with local supporters at the residence of Pheu Thai MP Worasit Kaltinan, a notable figure in the region’s political saga.
Intriguingly, despite the buzz, Thaksin hasn’t outlined any efforts to elevate the profile of Pheu Thai’s possible contender, Kan Kaltinan, a former PAO chairman during his Ubon Ratchathani pit stop. This strategy, or lack thereof, adds an air of mystery to Thaksin’s approach, prompting political pundits to speculate on his next move.
Thaksin’s earlier show of support in Udon Thani was nothing short of a political spectacle. Over two electrifying days, November 13–14, Thaksin campaigned for Sarawut Petchpanomporn, dazzling a crowd of approximately 5,000 with his fiery speeches. The crescendo of this political drama was reached on November 24, when unofficial results declared Sarawut the victor with an impressive tally of 327,487 votes, triumphing over Kanisorn Khurirang from the People’s Party (PP), who managed to secure 268,675 votes.
The former premier’s whirlwind campaign tour doesn’t stop there. December 23 will see Thaksin in Chiang Mai, galvanizing support for another Pheu Thai candidate, before he makes his way to Si Sa Ket later that month. A bevy of Pheu Thai bigwigs will join him on this campaign trail, all the while maintaining a careful distance from his daughter, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. This calculated move is intended to ward off critiques of nepotism or power misuse, as noted by insiders.
Pheu Thai Party stalwart Prasert Jantararuangtong has unabashedly exuded confidence, anticipating a successful outcome in the impending PAO elections. The decisive win in Udon Thani, according to Prasert, has boosted the party’s morale significantly, underpinning its readiness for the political contests ahead. Even though the party previously suffered a marginal defeat to the Move Forward Party (MFP) in Chiang Mai during the last general election, Prasert maintains that retaining the party’s core supporters remains their primary focus.
The national PAO standoff is slated for February, with the Pheu Thai Party intent on planting its flag across multiple provinces. As Prasert articulated, the victory in Udon Thani serves as a springboard, propelling the party toward greater heights of popularity and influence.
Anticipation mounts as the countdown to the February 1 elections commences, with candidacy submissions open from December 23-27. However, it’s worth noting that 29 provinces will sit out this electoral battle, exempting them from the nationwide fray. As the ripples of political maneuvering sweep across Thailand, all eyes are on Thaksin and the Pheu Thai Party, poised to make waves in the ever-changing tide of Thai politics.
Thaksin’s return to politics is both thrilling and concerning. Can he truly help the Pheu Thai Party, or is this a move to regain power for himself?
I think it’s all about spotlight and influence for him. He knows how to stir a crowd, but his presence might overshadow local leaders.
True, but isn’t that what politics is all about—leveraging star power? Thaksin’s a pro at it.
Let’s not forget that politics needs big personalities. He might be shady but he’s experienced in swaying masses.
That’s fair, but long-term change can’t rely on just personalities. Policies matter more than speeches.
Isn’t this just nepotism disguised as charisma? Keeping his distance from his daughter is just a PR tactic.
I don’t get why anyone’s surprised about Thaksin focusing on different districts. Politicians visit different places all the time to rally support.
True, but Thaksin’s doing it while being a convicted criminal in his home country. That’s what’s shocking.
Given Thailand’s political history, Thaksin’s approach might disrupt the balance. Is this a power move for Pheu Thai Party or for himself?
It’s both, probably. What politician doesn’t blend personal ambition with party goals?
People should focus more on the outcomes of these elections rather than Thaksin’s involvement. The candidates matter.
Exactly! At the end of the day, who wins determines the direction of local policies, not just Thaksin’s theatrics.
The Pheu Thai Party better has a plan beyond relying on Thaksin. His influence won’t last forever.
That’s what Prasert is likely banking on with this confident talk. Sustaining momentum post-Thaksin is crucial.
Agreed, but electoral success doesn’t directly translate to policy success.
Why does Thaksin keep coming back? Is it love for his country or a hunger for relevance?
Maybe he sees himself as unfinished business in Thai politics. There’s always a bit of ego involved.
This reminds me of old rockstars coming back to tour. The nostalgia sells tickets, but what’s really left?
Isn’t it time for fresh faces in the Pheu Thai Party? The same old names won’t bring new ideas.
Fresh faces come with risks. Experience isn’t always a bad thing.
What happens if the Pheu Thai Party wins these elections? Will it change anything significant in Thailand?
Possibly in local governance, but the national scene is a different beast entirely.
Maybe Thaksin’s trying to create a political dynasty with his daughter. Seems like a calculated move to me.
That’s plausible, but her maintaining distance suggests they are wary of public scrutiny too.
Focusing on voter turnout might be more beneficial than celebrity appearances. Policies win elections, not fame.
I’m interested in how non-Thai observers see Thaksin. Is he viewed as a villain or a visionary?
Depends on who you ask! Politics is all about perception, and Thaksin plays that game well.
I say, let’s wait for the February elections. Campaigns are just warm-ups to the real game.
I wonder if people care more about the potential changes or just the drama of it all. Politics here is such a spectacle!
Thailand’s political landscape is hugely influenced by personalities like Thaksin. But is that sustainable in the long term?