Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, the charismatic figure at the helm of the Progressive Movement and a driving force behind the Move Forward Party (MFP), has found himself at the centre of swirling rumors. Gossip in political circles suggests that he might have struck a clandestine political agreement with Thaksin Shinawatra, the influential yet controversial head of the Pheu Thai Party.
Associate Professor Somchai Preechasinlapakun, a reputed legal academic from Chiang Mai University, has expressed that Mr. Thanathorn must provide clarity on these allegations. He regards a straightforward answer as essential not just for him as a voter, but for the integrity of MFP’s future political trajectory.
The Professor’s concern stems from an unspoken expectation: transparent political practices are key to the healthy functioning of a democracy,” he said. “The people of Thailand deserve more than cloak-and-dagger politics and clandestine deals.”
Adding flames to these whispers is an unnamed source from the Pheu Thai Party. The insider claims that the plan involving a potential reconfiguration of government hierarchies was indeed forged in a meeting between Thaksin and Thanathorn in Hong Kong. After living in a self-imposed exile for close to twenty years, Thaksin has declared his intent to return to Thailand on August 10.
“If these allegations of a secret meeting in Hong Kong are unfounded, Mr. Thanathorn must dispel them immediately,” advised Professor Somchai. “If there’s any truth in them, then he owes an explanation not only to his supporters but also to the constituents who entrusted him with their votes.”
In response to circulated media reports about the alleged deal, Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn, an MFP list-MP, revealed on Twitter that he refused to buy into the speculation. He remains steadfast in his conviction, stating, “Even if it turns out that I’ve been fooled and lost everything, my honesty and my principles remain intact. I can hold my head high, knowing that I’ve maintained my integrity.”
Remaining tight-lipped on the subject, Rangsiman Rome, another top list-MP for the MFP, carefully abstained from commenting, stating that Mr. Thanathorn doesn’t formally hold a position within the MFP.
Attachak Satayanuruk, a history scholar at Chiang Mai University, voiced his belief that Thaksin’s announced return is a strategic move. As a result of underlying fears of the MFP’s reformist agenda, he feels that Thaksin’s return signifies a pact between the Pheu Thai and a faction he calls ‘the ruling class’.
Under this alleged agreement, Thaksin’s objective will be to drive a wedge between the supporters of the Pheu Thai and the MFP, thereby stalling the momentum of the MFP’s reformist movement, he explained.
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