The political landscape of Thailand took a surprising twist as the Seri Ruamthai Party, spearheaded by the lone but formidable MP, Pol Gen Sereepisuth Temeeyaves, decided to withdraw from the Pheu Thai Party-led coalition government. In an electrifying briefing at Seri Ruamthai headquarters, Pol Gen Sereepisuth revealed that the party’s executive board reached a narrow 7:4 decision on Tuesday to step away from the coalition.
Pol Gen Sereepisuth, with characteristic candor, expressed his dissatisfaction with the ruling party’s dismissive attitude, lamenting that they had failed to heed crucial reformist calls. “It’s been frustrating to let oneself be walked all over,” he proclaimed. A significant bone of contention was Pheu Thai’s lack of commitment to overhauling the police force. The former national police chief pointed out that the ruling party was more interested in controlling who would ascend to the position of national police chief.
Reflecting on his tenure, Pol Gen Sereepisuth divulged a deep-seated relationship with ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra, the acknowledged mastermind behind Pheu Thai, and his family. Conspiratorially, he recounted instances where he obliged requests to appoint senior police officers – favor-granting that evidently had lasting political reverberations.
Thaksin Shinawatra, navigating 17 years of self-imposed exile, experienced frequent visits from Pol Gen Sereepisuth that forged and cemented their alliance. He even admitted to leveraging his legal acumen to assist certain Pheu Thai politicians in sidelining their political adversaries, leading to substantial advantages during House seat contests.
However, when questioned if these efforts were reciprocated with governmental promises, Pol Gen Sereepisuth recounted Thaksin’s several acknowledgments of feeling indebted yet ultimately overlooked when it came to lucrative police force positions. The tension peaked during recent visits to Thaksin at the Police General Hospital (PGH) – meetings meant to resolve a malfeasance complaint against former premier Srettha Thavisin regarding the appointment of Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol as the new police chief.
Ever the pragmatic player, Pol Gen Sereepisuth dropped the complaint, but emphasized that it wasn’t out of sheer opportunism or spite over not receiving a deputy prime minister post. He alluded to the precarious and potentially incriminating circumstances surrounding Thaksin’s transfer and extended stay at PGH, casting shadows over a troika of influential figures – a minister, department chief, and a top hospital executive.
Yet, the most dramatic revelation came towards the end of his briefing. “All I can say now is I have severed ties with Thaksin after 51 long years of friendship,” Pol Gen Sereepisuth announced, underscoring the irrevocable rupture of a seasoned political alliance. Whatever lies ahead for the Seri Ruamthai Party, it promises to be laden with intrigue, grievances aired, and a renewed vigor as they join the opposition in casting a critical eye on government policies.
I can’t believe Pol Gen Sereepisuth left Pheu Thai! This seems like such a drastic move, especially after 51 years.
Drastic? He probably knew what he was doing. Sounds like Pheu Thai was using him and not respecting his input.
But still, walking away after all those years? Surely there were better ways to handle it.
Sometimes enough is enough. If they ignored him on important issues, like police reform, I get why he would be fed up.
I think this move is more about Pol Gen Sereepisuth wanting more power. It’s a classic political maneuver.
So, Thaksin feels indebted but didn’t repay Sereepisuth? That’s pretty damning. Makes one wonder how many other alliances in politics are just pretenses.
Politics is all about pretense, David. This is just another example.
Thaksin’s whole career is surrounded by dubious deeds. Why is anyone surprised?
It’s ironic how Pol Gen Sereepisuth talks about being walked all over when he himself admitted to leveraging his position for Thaksin’s benefit.
Exactly! He’s playing the victim now, but he wasn’t innocent in all this from the beginning. Hypocrisy at its finest.
That’s politics for you. Everyone plays dirty, but only cries foul when it doesn’t go their way.
True, but it’s still ridiculous how blatant he is being about it all. It’s like he thinks we’re stupid.
The real question is, what’s next for Seri Ruamthai without this alliance? Can they stand on their own feet?
As a Thai citizen, this whole mess just makes me lose faith in the political system. It’s always about self-interest.
I share your frustration. It feels like our politicians are more interested in power and control rather than meaningful change.
That’s unfortunately true everywhere, not just in Thailand.
I’m curious about the ‘incriminating circumstances’ Pol Gen Sereepisuth mentioned. What are they trying to hide?
Probably a lot. Politics always has skeletons in the closet.
Whatever it is, it’s likely serious if he felt the need to distance himself now.
Well, this certainly spices up Thai politics. I hope Seri Ruamthai uses this chance to push for real reforms.
Agreed. This could be a turning point if they handle it right.
Let’s just hope they don’t get buried under the same old political games.
@Lizzie, fingers crossed. Thailand really needs leaders who focus on the people.
Another day, another political drama in Thailand. When will things change for the better?
Probably not anytime soon with the current system.
I just think it’s weird that he brought up dropping the complaint and not getting a deputy position. Can’t help but think he’s more upset about personal loss.
Thaksin’s ‘indebtedness’ is just a facade. If he really appreciated Sereepisuth, he would’ve acted on the police reform requests.
But he didn’t, which shows Thaksin prioritizes his interests over real change.
Exactly, Thaksin is all about maintaining control.
I wonder how this will affect the next elections. Will this split give an advantage to opposition parties?
Interesting to see how these alliances shift. Will Pol Gen Sereepisuth manage to find new allies or stand alone?
He will have to play his cards carefully. This is high-stakes politics.
I hope Seri Ruamthai doesn’t implode despite their newfound independence. It would be a shame to see them disappear into oblivion.
Well, that’s the gamble they’re taking. Only time will tell.
To be honest, this whole situation is a bit like a soap opera, just with real consequences for the people.
What a mess. I hope this at least pushes for some genuine reforms and transparency in the police force.