The air was abuzz with political intrigue as Thaksin Shinawatra, former premier and influential figure in the ruling Pheu Thai Party, joined fellow party members on a spirited train journey to Prachuap Khiri Khan. The date was November 13, a day destined to be steeped in both camaraderie and controversy. The picturesque landscapes whizzing by seemed a fitting backdrop to the unfolding drama, reminiscent of both progress and a stirring call for unity.
Thaksin’s visit wasn’t solely in the spirit of affable meet-and-greets, as he arrived with an agenda as clear-cut as the horizon from the train’s window. At a lively Pheu Thai seminar in Hua Hin district, Thaksin didn’t hold back, directing sharp criticism at certain coalition parties. The crux of his displeasure was their conspicuous absence from a pivotal cabinet meeting held the previous week. The meeting was not just a mere formality; it was crucial, tasked with deliberating two significant executive decrees: one aimed at overhauling juristic person tax and the other focused on bolstering the nation’s competitiveness.
Thaksin’s metaphorical gloves were off. “What happened to our pledge of ‘all for one and one for all’?” he questioned, his tone both challenging and persuasive. “If the cabinet is no longer where you want to be, say it with a letter of resignation, not by playing truant at important meetings. Next time, if absence is the game, it should come with a written goodbye,” he asserted, blending straightforwardness with his usual flair.
It was a pointed reminder of the camaraderie that was once pledged when the coalition was formed. Thaksin, who has long been a key voice in the party, wasn’t afraid to throw light on a reality he felt was not aligning with the collective goals of the government. He painted a picture of commitment withdrawn post the cabinet seat allocation, a disappointing sight during December 11’s cabinet meeting.
Notable figures from the absent brigade included Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, leader of the United Thai Nation Party, a party often walking its own path rather than the coalition’s. Also missing were Deputy Interior Minister Songsak Thongsri from Bhumjaithai and Deputy Agriculture Minister Akkhara Prompow, adding to the tally with other notable absentees like Deputy Education Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul from Bhumjaithai and Deputy Commerce Minister Suchart Chomklin from UTN.
The drama continued off the stage as Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul from Bhumjaithai curtailed a doctor’s appointment to ensure his presence post a hasty call from the Prime Minister’s secretary-general Prommin Lertsuriyadej. Various Bhumjaithai deputies, though, officially reported leaves of absence.
In the midst of these theatrics, Pheu Thai’s secretary-general, Sorawong Thienthong, stood firm. Adorned with the mantle of tourism and sports minister, he reassured that despite the whirlwind of public squabbling, the coalition is anchored – strong and committed to serving out the government’s tenure. He emphasized that Thaksin’s candid critiques are, and will always be, valued by Pheu Thai.
When faced with the swirl of speculation that Thaksin’s pointed remarks might be aimed directly at Bhumjaithai, Anutin brushed it aside with composure. “I don’t believe Thaksin’s comments had Bhumjaithai in their crosshairs,” he remarked, almost bemused about the misplacement of meeting dates. Anutin’s diplomatic stance was clear: Bhumjaithai aligns with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s leadership. “The absenteeism, as noted by Thaksin, isn’t something that rattles me too much,” he concluded.
Thus, aboard the allegorical political train that chugged onward, the echoes of Thaksin’s words resonated, keeping the engine of coalition unity stoked and steaming towards its destination, albeit with a few bumpy tracks along the way.
Thaksin’s criticism seems a bit superficial to me. Is missing a meeting really that big of a deal?
It’s more about the commitment and accountability. These meetings determine the future of the country!
I guess you’re right, but should one absence determine credibility?
Thaksin’s background is rooted in action. An absent team is a missed opportunity for collective action!
If he’s so action-oriented, why is he focusing on missed meetings instead of outcomes?
Thaksin’s call for unity is ironic given Pheu Thai’s own historical divisions.
Honestly, isn’t it typical political theater? They should work behind the scenes instead of airing dirty laundry.
But isn’t it better that they speak openly? Transparency builds trust from voters.
Maybe, but this just feels like a circus act more than transparency.
Bhumjaithai’s absenteeism can’t be ignored. What’s the point of being a minister if you’re skipping these meetings?
I get why Thaksin is upset. Politics should be like a serious team project, not a laid-back club.
True, but politics involves complex personal and ideological dynamics. Hard to always align.
Yeah, but they signed up for this! They should handle those dynamics better.
Isn’t it interesting how Anutin shrugged off the criticism? Signs of real confidence or just obliviousness?
It’s just politics as usual. Thaksin playing the blame game to rally his base, nothing new here.
He has a right to expect the coalition to work together. Without unity, what good are coalition promises?
Promises in politics are like clouds. They look solid but evaporate easily.
Has Thaksin considered that maybe these absences aren’t personal but strategic? It could be an internal disagreement.
Good point! Maybe they’re communicating a message by being absent.
And round and round the merry-go-round goes. Coalition politics in Thailand never change, do they?
Thaksin criticizing publically might just divide more rather than unite. Diplomacy should be more subtle.
Public criticism can be strategic to apply pressure and ensure accountability.
I suppose, but the backlash could affect the coalition’s stability.
We’ve seen it before, subtlety in politics leads to misunderstanding.
If Pheu Thai can’t keep their own people in line, how can they truly govern the country effectively?
This shows a lack of respect towards the government’s agenda. Attend or resign!
Politics is about compromise, but skipping pivotal meetings seems like neglect from ministers.
Exactly, Will. It’s like signing up for a group project and not showing up to the meetings.
I feel Thaksin’s approach, although harsh, is necessary. Coalition members need clear guidance.
Politics is inherently chaotic, but undisciplined coalitions are a recipe for disaster.
Honestly, if ministers can’t handle the heat, they should get out of politics.
Has anyone considered the pressure these ministers are facing? Maybe they’re overwhelmed.
Pressure is part of the job. They should have prepared for it.