The political landscape of Thailand never fails to surprise, and the latest twist comes from a solitary but outspoken player. The Seri Ruamthai Party, with its lone Member of Parliament, has exited the coalition government led by the Pheu Thai Party. The catalyst? Their leader, Pol Gen Sereepisuth Temeeyaves, feels sidelined and unappreciated. At a press conference held at the Seri Ruamthai headquarters on Thursday, Pol Gen Sereepisuth announced that the party’s executive board had decided, by a vote of 7 to 4, to pull out from the coalition.
Pol Gen Sereepisuth minced no words in expressing his frustrations. He lamented the feeling of being treated like a second-class citizen within the coalition. “It’s been frustrating to let oneself be walked all over,” he vented. This sentiment isn’t new; it’s been simmering under the surface for quite some time, particularly due to the ruling party’s lack of commitment to police reform, which the former national police chief holds dear.
“The ruing Pheu Thai Party only wants control over who becomes the next national police chief. They don’t really care about deep, systemic reforms,” Pol Gen Sereepisuth pointed out. He should know – during his tenure as national police chief, he was closely connected with Thaksin Shinawatra, Pheu Thai’s de facto leader, and his family. The ties ran so deep that he even obliged Thaksin and his then-wife, Khunying Potjaman na Pombejra, in appointing senior police officers as a favor.
Over the years, Pol Gen Sereepisuth visited Thaksin five times during his self-imposed exile, which spanned 17 years. His loyalty wasn’t just for show. He legally assisted some Pheu Thai politicians in sidelining their political adversaries, which helped Pheu Thai secure a significant number of House seats. Yet, for all his contributions, he felt overlooked when Thaksin didn’t promote him to key posts.
Even after Thaksin’s return to Thailand on August 22 last year, Pol Gen Sereepisuth’s disenchantment didn’t waver. Thaksin was immediately sentenced to eight years in prison, later reduced to one year through royal clemency. Ironically, on his very first night at Bangkok Remand Prison, Thaksin was moved to the Police General Hospital (PGH) due to various health issues like chest pain, hypertension, and low blood oxygen levels.
Pol Gen Sereepisuth visited Thaksin twice while he was hospitalized, once in November and again in February this year, to address a complaint he had lodged with the National Anti-Corruption Commission against former PM Srettha Thavisin over Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol’s appointment as the new police chief. In a twist, Pol Gen Sereepisuth decided to retract his complaint.
When questioned if his actions were driven by not receiving a Deputy Prime Minister post in the new government led by Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Pol Gen Sereepisuth denied it vehemently. He ominously hinted that the circumstances surrounding Thaksin’s transfer and prolonged stay at PGH could embroil a minister, a department chief, and even a top hospital executive in legal trouble.
“I’ve ended my 51-year friendship with Thaksin,” he said, clearly disheartened. As Pol Gen Sereepisuth steps back into the opposition, it remains to be seen how this will influence the dynamics of Thai politics. One thing is for certain – it won’t be dull.
Pol Gen Sereepisuth’s exit is a massive loss for Pheu Thai. His dedication to police reform is commendable.
But does it really matter? He wasn’t making any impact. Pheu Thai will be fine without him.
That’s a bit harsh. At least he stood for something, unlike some other politicians.
I think Jackie_ChanFan77 is right. Losing someone with such insider knowledge could be a bad move for Pheu Thai.
This move might be more about personal feelings than actual political strategy.
Of course it’s personal! Politics is always personal.
But can personal grievances cloud good judgment? Serious question.
He might put his personal feelings aside if it helps him politically in the future. Who knows?
It’s sad to see a long friendship end over politics. Thaksin and Sereepisuth were so close.
Friendship and politics rarely mix well. This was bound to happen sooner or later.
I wonder if this departure will influence voters’ opinion of the Pheu Thai Party.
This won’t make much difference. People vote for bigger issues, not one man’s exit.
Imagine being so close to Thaksin and then feeling betrayed. Must hurt deeply.
Or maybe it’s a calculated move to gain sympathy and leverage his own position.
Sereepisuth’s focus on police reform is overrated. It’s all politics anyway.
Jimbo, that’s quite cynical. Genuine reforms can change lives!
Thaksin moving to the hospital right after being sentenced? Seems fishy to me.
Health problems aren’t always visible. The guy’s old, cut him some slack.
BKK_Guy, it just seems convenient, don’t you think? Just my two cents.
Will this shake up the coalition or is it just a minor speed bump for Pheu Thai?
Minor bump. They’ve dealt with worse in the past.
True, but losing even one ally can have ripple effects.
The lack of commitment to police reform by Pheu Thai is a big deal. Sereepisuth had every right to be angry.
PolicyGeek, the real question is whether any party in Thailand genuinely cares about reforms.
Thaksin and his political maneuvers are something else. Always a drama with him.
So what’s next for Sereepisuth? Is he going solo or joining another coalition?
Lee_M, if he was smart, he’d form alliances with other minor parties. Strength in numbers.
The dynamics of Thai politics are exhausting. Just when you think you’ve caught up, bam, another twist!
True, that’s why I stay out of it and just watch from the sidelines.
Sereepisuth might regret this decision in the long run.
Or he could end up being a hero for pushing for genuine reforms.
Politics in Thailand is a game of chess, and Sereepisuth just made a bold move.
Chess? More like a game of snakes and ladders.
This whole situation is chaotic. Who really benefits from this move?
Probably no one in the immediate term. But it could lead to some interesting power shifts.
Is Sereepisuth now going to become a vocal opposition voice? That could be interesting.
If he does, it will put pressure on Pheu Thai to rethink their strategies.
Just shows how fragile political alliances are. One wrong move and poof, it’s gone.
Imagine if this all boils down to personal grievances and ego. Politics is wild.
AK Gooner, isn’t that what politics mostly is? Ego and personal ambition.
It’s like watching a soap opera, you just can’t look away.
I just hope this doesn’t lead to more instability. Thailand needs stability to move forward.