Thaksin Shinawatra clasped the hand of his daughter Paetongtarn during the royal endorsement of her prime ministerial post at the Pheu Thai Party headquarters in Bangkok on August 18. (Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb)
Observers are already buzzing with concerns that Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and her new government might hit stormy waters if they allow former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra to pull the strings. Jade Donavanik, a legal scholar and president of the College of Asian Scholars, told the Bangkok Post that Thaksin’s penchant for micromanagement could spell trouble for both Paetongtarn and her leadership.
“The more he speaks publicly and behaves like he’s managing from behind the scenes, the more resistance he will face from his opponents. If Paetongtarn and her Pheu Thai Party allow themselves to be visibly influenced by him, they could be in a heap of trouble,” Mr. Jade pointed out.
This cautionary note follows Thaksin’s appearance at the “Vision for Thailand 2024” event on Thursday, which drew an array of politicians, diplomats, and investors. His comments during the event seemed to signal to many that he is still the power behind the throne at the Pheu Thai Party, casting a long shadow over the new administration.
“It would be in everyone’s best interest if Thaksin stayed behind the scenes while dealing with coalition allies, instead of making public declarations or being overtly controlling,” Mr. Jade added. “If there’s any evidence of him exerting influence, the ruling party could find itself in legal hot water, especially with regulations like the Political Parties Act in play.”
Sections 28 and 29 of the Act clearly prohibit any party from allowing outside influence or control in a manner that impacts its independence. Punishments for violations include jail terms and hefty fines, and can even strip the violator of their right to run in elections.
“Thaksin’s the X-factor here. It would be ideal if he kept quiet, but that’s easier said than done,” Mr. Jade concluded.
Meanwhile, Ms. Paetongtarn is feeling the heat from other corners too. Issues like the contentious purchase of monastic land for the Alpine Golf Club are stirring the pot. This piece of land in Pathum Thani’s Klong Luang district was bequeathed to a temple by a widow back in 1971. Eventually, it was sold to the Alpine Golf and Sports Club, where Ms. Paetongtarn shares interests. Legal tangles over this land have already landed former Pheu Thai leader Yongyuth Wichaidit in jail.
Some political voices, like Chao Meekhuad from the opposition Democrat Party, have suggested that Ms. Paetongtarn should hand the land back to the temple to sidestep further legal complications. “This situation is just one of many that could lead to increased pressure on her, potentially forcing her to dissolve the House as a last resort,” Mr. Jade added.
Then there’s the contentious issue of the lese majeste law, which could add fuel to the already roaring fire. Thaksin himself faces charges under Section 112 following comments he made to a South Korean newspaper in 2015. The Criminal Court has scheduled a hearing for this case next July, but it remains another thorny issue for the new administration.
Nipit Intarasombat, a former Democrat MP, echoed these concerns, emphasizing the importance of Ms. Paetongtarn avoiding the pitfalls that led to the dismissal of the previous PM, Srettha Thavisin, over unethical conduct. “The court’s recent ruling sets a high standard for political office holders to navigate carefully. Given her lack of experience in running national affairs, any economic missteps could pile further pressure on her government.”
Another potential minefield is the digital wallet handout scheme—Pheu Thai’s flagship policy. The National Anti-Corruption Commission has flagged a plethora of concerns from graft risks to legal issues. “Thaksin must keep a low profile and let the government operate independently. Too much meddling could incite public protests and worsen administrative challenges,” Mr. Nipit warned.
Filling cabinet posts is another challenge. The Palang Pracharath Party, a coalition partner, has nominated candidates with questionable pasts, like Capt Thamanat Prompow, who had a drug-related run-in with the law in Australia during the 1990s. Mr. Jade believes the new government is capable of handling the country’s issues but emphasized the importance of recalibrating the digital wallet handout scheme to gain public acceptance.
Simply put, the spotlight is not just on Prime Minister Paetongtarn but also on the role her father will play in the ensemble cast of Thailand’s political drama. “Criticism is inevitable. Thaksin must support his daughter without overshadowing her,” Mr. Virot Ali, a lecturer at Thammasat University, wisely noted. The stage is set, but will it be a triumphant debut or a cautionary tale? Only time will tell.
Thaksin needs to step back! His constant meddling is going to ruin Paetongtarn’s chances of running the country effectively.
But Thaksin is a genius! His experience is valuable. People should appreciate his input.
Valuable? Remember the corruption scandals? He’s bad news for the country.
Exactly, Sam. His past should be a big red flag. We don’t need history repeating itself.
Paetongtarn should assert her authority independently. This shadow governance by Thaksin is a recipe for disaster.
Agreed, Dr. Tan. Politics needs fresh air, not old ghosts haunting it.
But how can she do that when her entire rise to power was based on Thaksin’s legacy?
sugarman98, she needs to prove she’s more than just Thaksin’s daughter. People are tired of dynastic politics.
What about the lese majeste laws? Those could be a ticking time bomb for her administration.
Yeah, that could really trip her up. If Thaksin messes up there, it’s game over for her too.
They should reform those outdated laws anyway. Free speech shouldn’t be criminalized.
The golf club land issue is just another example of elite corruption. She’ll end up like her predecessors if she doesn’t address it.
It’s not an easy decision to hand back the land. Lots of stakeholders involved.
That’s what makes true leadership, Vinnie. Doing the right thing even when it’s hard.
What’s everyone’s take on the digital wallet handout scheme? Is this just another populist move or a genuine attempt to help?
It’s another populist stunt. It may provide short-term relief, but it’ll kill the economy in the long run.
Populist or not, some people desperately need that help right now.
I’m more concerned about the corruption risks. Giving out money always attracts vultures.
Thaksin staying behind the scenes? Doubtful. His ego won’t allow it.
Sadly true. He seeks the limelight too much.
I think Thaksin’s involvement isn’t all bad. He knows the system inside out.
Nopparat, knowing the system means he knows how to manipulate it. Not exactly a ringing endorsement.
Fair point, Siri. But manipulation can sometimes lead to effective governance.
At the end of the day, the focus should be on policies, not personalities. Let Paetongtarn prove her worth.
Let’s not forget the role of the opposition. They’ll capitalize on any misstep, especially with Thaksin around.
True that. They’ll pounce on every mistake to discredit her.
Does anyone have faith that she can handle filling cabinet posts without corruption?
Doubtful, considering the coalition partners. Too many skeletons in their closets.
Why is the political scene so corrupt anyway? Can’t we have one clean government?
Timmy, corruption is entrenched. It’s a long road to a clean government.
Thailand needs fresh leadership. Paetongtarn might surprise us if given the chance.
I’m not holding my breath. Too much baggage.
I understand the skepticism, but every leader starts somewhere.
At least Paetongtarn is trying new things with the digital wallet project. Better than doing nothing.