The political stage in Thailand is nothing short of an intricate chessboard, where moves and countermoves are the order of the day. Despite being excluded from the new coalition government led by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, General Prawit Wongsuwon and his Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) continue to be influential players, say political pundits.
Down But Not Out
Sathit Wongnongtoei, a former Democrat Party MP, remarked that the game is far from over for Gen Prawit. “Gen Prawit retains substantial political clout, thanks to his extensive network of politicians and members of independent organizations,” Sathit told the Bangkok Post.
Sathit believes that Pheu Thai’s decision to exclude PPRP from the coalition wasn’t just a matter of political strategy but also a reaction against Gen Prawit. His alleged involvement in a petition to oust former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and his conspicuous absence during crucial votes fuelled speculations about his behind-the-scenes maneuvers.
The shadow of Thaksin Shinawatra looms large in this narrative, as many believe he orchestrated the move to sideline PPRP. Despite these setbacks, Gen Prawit was re-elected as the leader of his party in a dramatic vote that underscored internal divisions.
Faction Wars
The election of Paiboon Nititawan as the new secretary-general, replacing Capt Thamanat Prompow, appears to deepen the fractures within PPRP. Capt Thamanat and his faction, which includes around 20 out of the party’s 40 MPs, opted to keep their MP status despite stepping down from their executive roles.
This faction’s separation, yet retention of key cabinet posts, including Agriculture Minister Narumon Pinyosinwat and Deputy Ministers Itthi Sirilathayakorn and Akara Prompao, showcases the complexities of Thai political alliances.
Holding Grudges and Strategic Alliances
The alliance between Pheu Thai and the Democrat Party has added another twist to this intricate political saga. “Thaksin holds a grudge against the Democrats for their past actions,” Sathit said. He recounted how Democrat-led censure debates against Thaksin led to several court cases.
Sathit cited the rice-pledging scheme revelations by former Democrat MP Dr. Warong Dechgitvigrom as another source of animosity. “Aligning with your former rival is a smart strategy to weaken them,” he added, referring to key Democrat leaders being appointed to ministerial roles.
This, Sathit argues, is a power play rather than genuine reconciliation. Veteran Democrat politicians, including Chuan Leekpai and Banyat Bantadtan, have expressed dissatisfaction with this new partnership, sensing a loss of ideological direction.
Under the Shadow of Power Struggles
Nattacha Boonchaiinsawat, a Bangkok MP from the opposition People’s Party, another political reincarnation, agreed with the assessment of Gen Prawit’s lasting influence. “Despite being out of the coalition, Gen Prawit maintains connections with former senators, retired military personnel, and members of independent organizations,” he noted.
Nattacha sees Pheu Thai’s alliance with the Democrats as a tactical move to consolidate power and counterbalance Gen Prawit’s influence. “This partnership allows Pheu Thai to keep the Democrats on a tight leash, exacting a form of political revenge with just two cabinet posts,” he explained.
Shifting Sands and Waning Influence
Suriyasai Katasila, a political expert and dean at Rangsit University, pointed out that Gen Prawit’s influence has ebbed significantly without the backing of Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha and Gen Anupong Paojinda. Known as the “Three Por” generals, their control over Thai politics since the 2014 coup has now waned.
With Gen Prayut now a privy councillor and Gen Anupong retired, only Gen Prawit remains in the political battlefield, albeit with limited ability to maneuver. However, Suriyasai cautioned that Gen Prawit might still act through proxies like Ruangkrai Leekitwattana to file complaints against political adversaries.
Price of Alliances
Discussing the Democrats’ decision to join the coalition, Suriyasai stated, “The Democrats had to swallow their pride for survival, but this alliance with Pheu Thai has a steep price.” He believes this move might erode their voter base.
Political science lecturer Chaiyan Chaiyaporn added that the trio’s power has waned, reducing their ability to execute major political tasks. “While Gen Prawit remains active, his impact is now limited,” Chaiyan said.
The evolving alliances and power struggles indicate a dynamic and ever-changing political landscape in Thailand, where allegiances are more fluid than ever before, and the quest for power keeps leaders on their toes.
Gen Prawit’s resilience is remarkable. Even after being sidelined, he’s still a power player. How can one man wield such influence?
It’s all about connections and deep-rooted networks. Politics in Thailand is like an iceberg—what you see is just a fraction of the whole.
True, but isn’t it also about loyalty? His followers seem fiercely loyal, even when the chips are down.
Let’s not glorify him! He represents the old guard clinging to power. It’s time for new blood to drive Thailand forward.
I hear you, but dismantling his network is easier said than done. Generational change doesn’t happen overnight.
Exactly, Sue! Prawit’s survival tactics are a hindrance to progress. The new coalition should focus on reforms.
The internal divisions within PPRP are fascinating. This could either make or break them in future elections.
I’m surprised that Thaksin still wields such power from behind the scenes. The politics of revenge never ends in Thailand.
It’s not just about revenge, it’s strategic alliances. Thaksin’s influence is both a strength and a weakness for Pheu Thai.
But how effective can these alliances be? They seem more like temporary band-aids than long-term solutions to Thailand’s issues.
Paul, you’re right. But the constant faction changes make politics unpredictable and volatile.
What’s interesting is how Gen Prayut and Gen Anupong’s exit impacts Prawit’s influence. He’s on shaky ground without his allies.
It’s a double-edged sword. He loses support but also gains freedom to act independently.
With Gen Prayut as a privy councillor, don’t underestimate his continued behind-the-scenes influence.
I think it’s a bit naive to believe the Democrats’ alliance with Pheu Thai is stable. This move seems like political suicide in the long term.
Agreed. Their voter base is already eroding. It’s a risky gamble that might backfire.
But isn’t politics all about these risky moves? Colonies and alliances are temporary but can bring short-term gains.
The political chessboard is fascinating. It’s like watching a game where the rules keep changing.
Faction wars within PPRP are a microcosm of Thai politics—no stability, just constant power plays.
Power struggles are inevitable in any political system. But the question is whether they lead to constructive outcomes.
Exactly, Liam. Stability shouldn’t come at the cost of stagnation. There needs to be a balance.
Nattacha Boonchaiinsawat’s points about Prawit’s lasting influence are spot on. His connections are his lifeline.
Suriyasai’s observation about the ‘Three Por’ generals is intriguing. It’s like watching a historical shift in real-time.
Aligning with Pheu Thai for survival? That’s a cop-out. The Democrats should have stood their ground!
It’s not just survival, it’s strategy. Politics isn’t about idealism; it’s about pragmatism.
I can’t believe people still support these old generals. Is Thai politics stuck in a loop?
The shifting sands of politics will eventually erode Prawit’s influence. New leaders need to emerge.
Only if those new leaders are allowed to rise. The old guard isn’t letting go that easily.
The complexities of Thai political alliances are genuinely mind-boggling. This is not mere politics, it’s a dramatic saga!
So true. The drama keeps unfolding, and there’s always a twist to keep us glued.
Just another example of how dirty politics can get. These alliances are all about power and nothing else.
Politics has always been about power. The difference is how it’s wielded.
The price of these alliances might be too high for some parties. Losing voter trust is a significant risk.