In the ever-turbulent realm of Thai politics, remarks by outspoken Progressive Movement leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit have recently stirred controversy. Thanathorn candidly admitted to a clandestine meeting with Thaksin Shinawatra, an influential figure known for his unshakeable grip over the Pheu Thai Party, in Hong Kong following the momentous May 14 general elections. Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, who also serves as Pheu Thai’s deputy leader, was swift to downplay the significance of these claims, stating he was oblivious to the meeting details – a development that only Thanathorn and Thaksin could truly elucidate.
Adding fuel to the intrigue, Thanathorn, an influential backer of the chief opposition, the Move Forward Party (MFP), confirmed in an exclusive interview with renowned television reporter, Sorrayuth Suthassanachinda, that he indeed made a furtive trip to Hong Kong? Why? To hold a tête-à-tête with Thaksin prior to the government formation. His confirmation marked a notable departure from previous denials by the key Progressive Movement and MFP personas.
During his conversation with Sorrayuth, Thanathorn made it clear that his meeting with Thaksin took place before the government’s formation. He insisted, “I am not in any political office to broker any political agreements. If I had done so, the MFP could have faced disbandment”. He was referring to the stringent legal provisions that closely monitor and prohibit external influences on political parties.
In defense of his actions, Thanathorn proudly professed his pleasure to see the party he was no longer directly involved with continue to grow. “This development only buttresses the fact that Move Forward is maturing into a full-fledged political institution. It’s not a fiefdom of any individual,” he declared to the interviewer.
As a little backdrop, the Progressive Movement came into existence in the aftermath of the dissolution of the Future Forward Party (FFP). This was a party that Thanathorn nurtured from scratch and led until it was disbanded over a questionable loan he advanced to the party, an act that the Constitutional Court deemed as unlawful. However, the spirit of the disbanded party lived on. Key figures, now bound to political sidelines, united to create the Progressive Movement, which led the charge, tirelessly campaigning to boost the MFP’s election prospects.
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