Deputy PM Anutin Charnvirakul, seen in the background, shares a light moment in a sing-along with Pheu Thai leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra and her father, Thaksin Shinawatra. (Photo credit: Maynatchira Instagram Account)
In the seemingly ever-evolving landscape of Thai politics, the weekend gathering of political heavyweights at a scenic resort in Nakhon Ratchasima has stirred a pot of speculation. The Pheu Thai Party and their coalition partner, the Bhumjaithai Party, have firmly denied any clandestine agreements following a convivial golf outing featuring former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul.
Stepping up to clarify, Mr. Anutin—who juggles dual roles as both deputy prime minister and interior minister—asserted that Thaksin and his entourage were lodged at a separate hotel altogether. The political chatter, it seems, was left at the door. “I did not delve into any political discussions with Thaksin, who many assume to be the shadow leader of Pheu Thai,” Anutin elaborated, wearing his usual composed demeanor.
The conversations, according to Mr. Anutin, steered clear of the ongoing cannabis controversy—a matter that’s brewing tension between Pheu Thai, who want the plant reclassified as a narcotic, and Bhumjaithai, who championed its decriminalization. “This is a decision for the Narcotics Control Board [NCB]. Thaksin has no hand in it,” he emphasized.
Political observers are, however, spotting smoke signals where there’s said to be no fire. A fissure is growing between Bhumjaithai and Pheu Thai, driven by starkly contrasting stances on the future of cannabis in Thailand. As it stands, a health committee has already voted on July 5 to bring cannabis and hemp back under the narcotic umbrella by January 1, 2025. This proposal awaits final scrutiny and consideration by the NCB this month.
Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai chimed in to dispel rumors of any backdoor negotiations. “It was a simple day out—golf, songs, and a good meal,” he stated, presenting a rather idyllic picture of the powwow.
Yet, whispers from insiders suggest that the golf outing at the Khao Yai resort had a more purpose-driven agenda: to iron out the cannabis discord between the coalition giants. According to murmurs, a potential resolution may involve the NCB sending the reclassification proposal back for a more thorough review by the health committee. The government, in turn, might press for stringent controls on cannabis use within the framework of a new law.
In a political give-and-take scenario that’s as engaging as it is complex, Bhumjaithai is rumored to be gearing up to support Pheu Thai’s ambitious digital wallet initiative in return. This chess game of policies, alignments, and power plays promises to keep the electorate both intrigued and at the edge of their seats. Ah, the dulcet tunes of Thai politics in action—where a golf game is never just a golf game.
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