Thaksin Shinawatra’s Bold Return: Udon Thani Political Drama Unfolds

Ah, it’s election season in Thailand again, and the political stage is set, this time in the colorful backdrop of Udon Thani. The town has become a battleground for political titans as they jostle for dominance in the upcoming Provincial Administrative Organization (PAO) election. This isn’t just a local election – it’s an early round in the fight leading up to the 2027 national elections. As the stakes are ramped up, so is the game, with major players from Pheu Thai Party and the People’s Party (PP) demonstrating their political might in a region that has long been a Pheu Thai bastion.

The scene-stealer in this spectacular political showdown is none other than Thaksin Shinawatra, Thailand’s former prime minister and the not-so-hidden driving force behind the Pheu Thai Party. Thaksin, often seen as the party’s de facto leader, recently touched down in Udon Thani, turning the provincial campaign into a major spectacle of political theater. In a high-energy rally, he passionately urged a crowd of 5,000, “No less than a landslide, my friends!” His presence is making waves; he’s going all out to reinvigorate the party’s diminishing clout, casting aside any whispers of lukewarm policies under the current leadership of his daughter and Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

But Thaksin is not just shaking hands and kissing babies. He’s on a mission, rallying the red-shirt supporters – historically a robust base for Pheu Thai – and pledging to bring back a wave of awe-inspiring reforms reminiscent of his glory days, like the ever-popular universal healthcare scheme. It’s a clear bid to reclaim lost territories after last year’s elections, where the party saw its dominance chipped away in Udon Thani by rivals such as the Thai Sang Thai and Move Forward Party (MFP).

Interestingly, the MFP, which was dissolved over controversial charges, has morphed into the People’s Party (PP). The PP is pulling no punches either. With Pita Limjaroenrat, the former MFP leader, returning from the U.S. to spearhead the PP’s campaign alongside Kanisorn Khurirang, the PP is eyeing a strategic victory to establish a foothold in this political landscape. They’ve also rallied support from the Progressive Movement’s leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit.

Talk about drama! The Udon Thani PAO election, due November 24, represents more than a typical local election. It’s the oft-underestimated curtain-raiser for the much-anticipated national showdown. Amidst this riveting narrative, analysts caution that Thaksin’s rallying call is as much about saving face as it is about consolidating power. His rallying cry could potentially counter Pheu Thai’s diminished appeal due to perceived underperformance and failed handout schemes.

Meanwhile, the competition isn’t solely between Pheu Thai and PP. The local elections are also seeing the Bhumjaithai Party stealthily supporting opponents of Pheu Thai, forging fresh alliances as it bids for dominance in its territories like Ubon Ratchathani.

It’s a no-holds-barred contest. As Olarn Thinbangtieo of Burapha University puts it, “Udon Thani is the capital of the red-shirt movement.” The PAO election here is a crucial staging ground for the upcoming 2027 general elections. If Thaksin can orchestrate a decisive win for Pheu Thai, it could set the stage for a larger wave across the Northeast.

This isn’t just an election; it’s a thrilling political drama with tales of former glory, familial power struggles, and clandestine alliances. And in a land where politics equates to a national pastime, it’s bound to unfold with much public fascination and more than a few suspenseful twists.

Whether you’re rooting for Pheu Thai, clutching the edge of your seat for PP, or hedging bets on the underdogs like Bhumjaithai, one thing’s certain: Udon Thani is the place to watch. So, buckle up – because this political roller coaster is only just picking up speed!