In a tale that seems plucked straight from a political thriller, veteran politician Kusumalwati Sirikomut has become the center of a storm that’s reverberating through Thai political corridors. At 62, hailing from the province of Maha Sarakham, Kusumalwati’s life reads like an epic saga, with the latest chapter shining a glaring spotlight on the often murky waters of political power plays.
Despite not making it to the final roster of the 200 senators in last year’s highly competitive three-stage election ordeal, Kusumalwati’s name still graces the reserve senators list, a nod to her enduring influence and tenacity. With a dramatic flourish worthy of a seasoned political gladiator, she recently petitioned the Election Commission to request the Constitutional Court to dissolve the Bhumjaithai Party, alleging they meddled in the Senate elections.
The plot thickens as she accuses none other than the party’s charismatic leader, Anutin Charnvirakul, along with the equally enigmatic party secretary-general Chaichanok Chidchob. She claims to have smoking-gun evidence that pinpoints Anutin as the puppet master pulling the strings in a vote-rigging operation that should, in her view, lead to the party’s demise.
Let’s rewind a bit—the origin story, if you will. Daughter of the respected former Maha Sarakham MP, Sawat Sirikomut, Kusumalwati’s bloodline is steeped in politics. Her entry into the political arena dates back to 1992 with the Samakkhitham Party, followed by a shift to the New Aspiration Party in 1996—both attempts met with the fickle favor of defeat.
However, 2001 was the year of Kusumalwati’s rise. Joining forces with the Thai Rak Thai Party, which was soaring on wings of popularity, she snagged a victory, only to repeat her success in 2005, even trouncing Prayuth Siripanich of the Chart Thai Party, now known as Chartthaipattana Party. Yet, the ebb and flow of political allegiance saw her move to the Pheu Paendin Party in 2007, where she faced defeat once more, only to return triumphantly to Pheu Thai in 2011 for her electoral hat trick.
The tale of allegiance shifted again in 2018 when she left Pheu Thai over a disagreement about the party list system and aligned with the Pheu Chart Party, tied to the red-shirt movement. By 2019, the polls did not swing in her favor in Maha Sarakham’s Constituency 4, and another low note struck in 2023 when she joined the United Nation Party (UTN), formed in support of former Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, yet lost once again to Jirawat Siripanich, son of her former foe, with a scant 9,744 votes compared to his 43,367.
Fast-forward to the present, and Kusumalwati stands undaunted in her showdown with Bhumjaithai, deflecting criticism and threats with resolute defiance. She’s set on launching a defamation lawsuit, proclaiming, “I had my lawyer draft the lawsuit. There will be no negotiation. It’s game on.”
Adding a dash of the mystical to her political narrative, she voices concern over potential black magic being cast against her. “It’s not a myth,” she insists, determined to find ways to ward off any supernatural mischief.
This chapter in Kusumalwati’s epic saga is brimming with intrigue, bravery, and an indomitable spirit that promises to captivate the public eye as she navigates this high-stakes drama. For now, Thai politics holds its breath, watching and waiting to see how Kusumalwati’s remarkable story unfolds.
I think Kusumalwati is brave for taking on such a powerful party like Bhumjaithai. It’s about time someone stands up to the political elite.
But doesn’t it seem a bit too personal? I mean, accusing them of black magic? Seems like a desperate move.
Desperation or not, black magic and politics aren’t that far-fetched in some cultures. It’s intriguing, don’t you think?
I’m skeptical about Kusumalwati’s claims. These allegations against Anutin seem more like political maneuvering than based on solid evidence.
Politics is all about power plays, isn’t it? Either way, this is giving her plenty of media attention!
True, but isn’t it sad when such attention doesn’t lead to actual change? Just another chapter in Thailand’s long list of political drama.
Honestly, every politician seems shady at some point. Kusumalwati is no exception if you look at her career shuffles.
Kusumalwati’s defamation lawsuit could set a precedent. If she wins, other politicians might think twice before engaging in shady tactics.
Agreed! It’s about time the system gets cleaned up! But will it change anything long-term?
If the public holds these politicians accountable, I think there’s hope for real change.
Considering Kusumalwati’s political lineage, it’s natural for her to be deeply entrenched in these power battles. Her father’s influence might be a driving factor.
Isn’t this just typical drama? The real question is whether Kusumalwati is doing all this for genuine reasons or for a power grab of her own.
Hard to say, but sometimes personal ambitions align with public good. It might be a bit of both!
Anutin and the Bhumjaithai Party have been controversial for a while. Kusumalwati’s battle might finally bring their dubious dealings to light.
Let’s hope for that, but with politics, transparency often remains just a dream.
True, but the more people push for transparency, the closer we get to it becoming reality.
Her history of switching parties shows she’s adaptable, which is key in politics. Maybe this adaptability is why she’s willing to challenge Bhumjaithai now.
I just can’t get over the black magic part. It sounds so medieval, yet here it is in modern politics!
It’s easy to dismiss the supernatural in politics, but sometimes these beliefs hold sway over people’s actions.
True, and if it makes her take action, then maybe magic has its place!
What really needs attention is why these power struggles happen in the first place. Perhaps it’s time to overhaul the Thai political system altogether.
Kusumalwati may be seen as a political chameleon, but she’s persistent. This saga could redefine her legacy in Thai politics.
Yeah, she might reinvent herself either as a hero or, if she fails, as a cautionary tale.
Either way, it will definitely add an interesting chapter to her political journey.
At least Kusumalwati is making headlines, unlike many politicians who sit in the background doing nothing. Active politicians are needed!
Action doesn’t always equal benefit. Let’s see if her actions bring about any meaningful change.