Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is back in the spotlight, stirring up a storm as he attempts to reconnect with his once-loyal red shirt supporters across Thailand. Thaksin, who is now on parole, paused his political exile to visit former red-shirt United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) strongholds in Chiang Mai, Nonthaburi, Nakhon Ratchasima, and Pathum Thani.
His visits, though wrapped in informal settings like ceremonies and parties, had a very clear objective—regain support for the Pheu Thai Party. Despite denying any direct ties to Pheu Thai—he’s technically not a member—Thaksin’s provincial tours seem meticulously designed to revive the eroded base of a party that evolved from the Thai Rak Thai Party, once led by Thaksin himself before it crumbled under electoral fraud allegations in 2007.
The strategy is clear: reconnect with the red shirts who helped secure a landslide victory for Pheu Thai in the July 2011 general election. Back then, the red shirts were pivotal, driving Pheu Thai to win 265 out of 500 seats in the House of Representatives. The victory was perceived as payback against the Democrat-led administration of Abhisit Vejjajiva, which had used military force to crush red-shirt protests in Bangkok.
However, over the nine-year reign of Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, imposed by the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), the red shirts’ unwavering support dwindled. The Pheu Thai Party faltered under Prayut’s strict control, losing the chance to maintain their stronghold and connection with their grassroots supporters. A new era of anti-junta and pro-democracy movements emerged, sidestepping the older, red-shirt-dominant paradigms.
This movement birthed the Rassadorn group, a youth-led revolution advocating for democracy, which quickly spread amongst university students and previously apolitical sections of society. With the Future Forward Party, which later transformed into the Move Forward Party (MFP) after being dissolved over an illegal loan, Rassadorn found its ideological home.
Meanwhile, the red shirts felt sidelined, struggling to stay relevant without Pheu Thai’s robust backing. Even though some UDD veterans stood shoulder to shoulder with the youth-led Rassadorn, they were seen more as auxiliary supporters than leading the charge themselves.
Facing this stark reality, Thaksin’s attempt to breathe new life into the UDD and its support base seems herculean. Tida Tawornseth, a UDD adviser, recently expressed skepticism about Thaksin’s ability to rejuvenate the red shirts to their former prominence. Many red shirt members have shifted their allegiance to the MFP, colored in their new symbolic orange instead of the revolutionary red.
Thaksin’s promises have also come back to haunt him. His bold declarations from self-exile that he would return immediately to rally against any military coup were left unfulfilled, leaving a bitter taste. This mistrust compounded when Pheu Thai abandoned an alliance with the MFP to form a coalition with conservative parties, erstwhile opponents from the Prayut era, breaking the pro-democracy front many red shirts cherished.
On another political front, the Senate election—a thoroughly unique spectacle—played out over three weeks with candidates across 20 professional categories voting for each other. The requirement? Candidates needed to be over 40, boast a decade of experience, and have local ties, but no formal degree was necessary. The election was riddled with confusion and claims of vote-fixing, leading the caretaker Senate to establish a special 23-member panel to investigate irregularities.
The Election Commission’s (EC) role came under scrutiny, especially regarding complaints about candidate qualifications and alleged election fraud. But with the majority of fraud-related complaints dismissed for lack of evidence, the EC decided to endorse all winners and substitutes—a move watched intently by political analysts and the public alike.
Concerns over the senators’ qualifications were palpable, yet figures like Thanaporn Sriyakul of the Political and Public Policy Analysis Institute urged restraint. He pointed out that educational background should not be the sole criterion for judging a senator’s ability to perform their duties. After all, many effective MPs lacked formal education in the past.
In the midst of these political gyrations, the public sentiment wavered. People debated whether new senators, some coming from modest professions like farming or vending, could indeed rise to the task. Somsak Prissananantakul of the Bhumjaithai Party urged the public to avoid prejudgment, highlighting that the law ensures equality of opportunity between the privileged and the ordinary candidates.
As Thailand navigates this political labyrinth, the drama between legacy and emerging political forces continues to unfold, with every act adding layers to an already complex narrative.
Thaksin coming back is nothing but a desperate attempt to hold onto dwindling power. He should just let the new generation lead!
I disagree. Thaksin has the experience and knows how to navigate Thai politics. The new generation lacks this prowess.
Experience or not, Thaksin betrayed his supporters in the past. Can we really trust him now?
Exactly, Emily! Once trust is broken, it’s hard to regain. Thaksin is just grasping at straws now.
The youth should be guided by experienced leaders like Thaksin. Together, they can create a powerful blend.
Pheu Thai aligning with conservative parties shows their true colors. They don’t care about democracy.
Politics is about compromise. Pheu Thai is trying to stay relevant in a polarizing environment.
Compromise is one thing, but abandoning principles is another. Thaksin’s moves are hypocritical.
The younger generation has the right ideas but lacks the strength to bring real change.
Strength comes from unity. If the old guard keeps dividing us, we’ll never move forward.
Unity without a clear plan is just chaos. We need strategic leaders like Thaksin.
The new senators are a joke! How can someone without proper education make important decisions for the country?
You don’t need a degree to have common sense and represent the people’s interests. It’s elitist to think otherwise.
Common sense is crucial, but so is expertise. We need a balance.
Vichai, education can make a big difference, but it’s not the only thing. Look at successful leaders worldwide who rose from humble beginnings.
The election process for the Senate was a circus. When will we get real democracy?
Totally agree. The system is rigged to benefit the elite, not the common people.
Exactly! And then they wonder why people are disillusioned with politics.
Democracy takes time to build. We’re moving forward bit by bit, but patience and vigilance are needed.
I’m skeptical Thaksin can rejuvenate the red shirts. They might have moved on for good.
People have short memories. If Thaksin can offer tangible benefits, many will flock back to him.
True, but with the new political forces like MFP, his influence might not be as strong as it used to be.
Why are we even considering a figure like Thaksin for leadership in this day and age? It’s absurd.
Thaksin’s return could destabilize the current political equilibrium, but every crisis presents an opportunity for systemic reform.
Thaksin has always been about manipulative politics. His return will just fuel more conflict.
It’s fascinating how short the political memory is. Thaksin’s old promises now seem like empty rhetoric.
With the rise of MFP, youth are the future. Thaksin represents just another politician clinging to past glories.
The youth have energy but lack direction. That’s where veteran leaders come in.
Veteran leaders had their chance and they blew it. Time for new blood.
The MFP represents a breath of fresh air in Thai politics. Thaksin’s return is a step backward.
Politicians switching allegiances is nothing new, but it’s disappointing every time. Trust is an elusive commodity in Thailand.
Thaksin’s influence is undeniable. Even after all these years in exile, he still commands loyalty.
Red shirts vs. MFP is the true battle here. The old vs. the new. It’s enthralling.
Absolutely! This might be the turning point for Thai politics. The new era is coming.
Thai politics is like a soap opera. Every twist and turn seems orchestrated for maximum drama.