The political climate in Thailand has recently seen significant turbulence, with the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) plunged into turmoil due to an escalating conflict between its head, Gen Prawit Wongsuwon, and secretary-general Thamanat Prompow. The latter has even suggested he’s considering parting ways with the party, citing exclusion from cabinet nominations as a primary grievance.
From insider whispers, it appears the bone of contention between Prawit and Thamanat lies in the nominations for key ministerial positions, which are currently under negotiation by recently appointed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Reports suggest that the PPRP has been allocated four coveted cabinet slots. Gen Prawit has put forward his younger brother, Pol Gen Phatcharavat Wongsuwan, for the role of Natural Resources and Environment Minister. Other nominations include the current Deputy Public Health Minister Santi Promphat for the Agriculture and Cooperatives portfolio, previously held by Capt Thamanat; former Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn for Deputy Public Health Minister; and Atthakorn Sirilatthayakorn to reclaim his role as Deputy Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister from the prior administration.
Feeling sidelined and ousted from the ministerial nomination list, Capt Thamanat expressed his discontent on Tuesday, signaling a potential exodus from the PPRP along with a faction of 29 MPs. Nevertheless, insider sources hint that some MPs from Thamanat’s faction might still find their way into the new cabinet. The exclusion of Thamanat, sources say, stems from concerns over his fitness for a ministerial role, given his past conviction and imprisonment for drug-related offences in Australia during the 1990s.
There’s a cautionary tale here, too. If Paetongtarn were to appoint Capt Thamanat to a cabinet position, she might face petitions for her ousting akin to those that led to the dismissal of her predecessor, Srettha Thavisin, who was accused of an ethics violation for appointing ex-convict Pichit Chuenban as a minister in the PM’s Office. Capt Thamanat, speaking Tuesday, stated he has no inclination toward reconciling with Gen Prawit and emphasized his readiness to “declare his freedom.”
“I’ve served the party and one key person long enough. It’s time for me to step back and find a place where there is happiness,” Thamanat stated, revealing his plans for a luncheon with like-minded allies at the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives. Holding sway over a bloc of 29 of the PPRP’s 40 MPs, Thamanat’s potential departure could significantly impact the party’s dynamics and balance of power.
Unphased by the potential fallout, Thamanat brushed off speculations about his exclusion from the nominations. “The prime minister is not bound to adhere strictly to the party’s suggested lineup,” he remarked. Still, the shadow of his 1994 conviction looms large—a messy affair involving heroin importation which landed him four years in an Australian jail, a saga he controversially dismisses as being about “flour.”
Amid this political drama, ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra, often seen as the Pheu Thai Party’s behind-the-scenes leader, denied having met Gen Prawit to hash out the cabinet formation dispute. When questioned about whether the Prawit-Thamanat spat would delay the new government’s formation, Thaksin assured that Pheu Thai has a dedicated panel to vet ministerial nominations. When pressed on which PPRP faction—Prawit’s or Thamanat’s—would better serve the new administration, Thaksin diplomatically leaned toward “the one that contributes most to the government.”
The saga within the PPRP illustrates the high stakes and fragile alliances that characterize political maneuvering in Thailand. As characters like Thamanat carve out their destinies, the ripples of their decisions will undoubtedly shape the contours of the nation’s political landscape.
Thamanat’s departure from PPRP could actually be a good thing for Thai politics.
I disagree. Thamanat leaving PPRP might cause instability. We need unity, not division.
Unity in a corrupt system isn’t unity at all. Sometimes a break is necessary to rebuild.
True, breaking away might pave the way for a fresh start, but it could also create chaos.
Considering Thamanat’s track record, his exit might cleanse the party a bit.
It’s appalling how Thamanat was even part of the cabinet discussions considering his criminal history!
Everyone deserves a second chance. Past mistakes shouldn’t define someone’s entire future.
True, but being in a high-level government position requires a spotless record to maintain integrity.
Why is Thaksin still involved in Thai politics? It’s time to move on.
Because he’s still influential and people listen to him. Simple as that.
His influence isn’t always positive. Thailand needs new leaders.
Thaksin’s shadow over politics just shows the lack of new, strong leadership in Thailand.
Thaksin’s role should be questioned more. He’s manipulating from the shadows.
Who even cares about these political dramas? It’s always the same story over and over again.
You should care because these decisions affect all of us.
Exactly, ignoring politics won’t save you from its consequences.
Boredom with the system is why these problems persist. Engage, don’t disengage.
Thamanat just saying he might leave is probably a power play to get back into the cabinet discussions.
Could be. Politicians use threats all the time to leverage their position.
Power play or not, it shows he’s not happy with the direction PPRP is taking.
How can Paetongtarn even consider including Thamanat? That’s just inviting another scandal.
Prawit’s loyalty to his brother over party unity is going to backfire big time.
Family ties in politics often do more harm than good. Nepotism much?
There’s no room for nepotism in government roles. This should be about merit.
The whole system needs a reform if we keep having individuals like Thamanat in power.
Total reform? That’s idealistic but necessary. The current system is broken.
Thamanat’s ‘flour’ story is honestly embarrassing. How can anyone still support this guy?
It’s laughable but worrying. People have short memories or strong loyalties, I guess.
Supporting Thamanat is like condoning corruption and criminal pasts.
That’s why there’s a need for clear vetting processes for ministerial roles.
It’s sad that political decisions are made based on personal vendettas rather than national interest.
Why are we even talking about Thamanat? Focus should be on policies, not individuals.
Individuals define policies. We can’t separate the two so easily.
Ed Plowman’s analysis of this situation hits the nail on the head. Highly recommend a read.