Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s first public address in Thailand on Thursday evening has stirred a whirlwind of controversy, slicing through the heart of the nation with sharp, impassioned criticism from his relentless detractors. Thaksin, who made his dramatic return last August after 17 long years in self-imposed exile, faces accusations of wielding power as if the entire country was his to command, according to Jatuporn Prompan, a former leader of the red-shirt United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) and an influential political figure allied with the ruling Pheu Thai Party.
This grand reentry into the spotlight saw the ex-premier addressing an audience teeming with politicians and business magnates at a forum dubiously titled “Vision for Thailand 2024”, held in the pulsating heart of Bangkok on that fateful Thursday night.
In a fiery rebuke, Mr. Jatuporn continued, decrying Thaksin as someone the public should steer clear of, highlighting that Thaksin had previously admitted to corrupt practices, expressed contrition for his wrongdoing, and sought—successfully—a royal pardon. “On the very day he [Thaksin] set foot back on Thai soil, he pleaded for a chance to return home and care for his grandchildren. Has he fulfilled this promise? Not once has he served a complete day in prison,” Mr. Jatuporn fumed, pivoting from his former position as a staunch Thaksin supporter.
Jatuporn went further, alleging that security camera footage exists that clearly shows Thaksin neglecting his obligations since being granted a royal pardon, which slashed his original eight-year sentence to a mere year. “Should we truly allow someone convicted of corruption to seize control of the state?” he challenged.
Subsequent to Thaksin’s paroled release, the former prime minister has been accused by Mr. Jatuporn of misleading the public by asserting that many of the charges against him were contrived. “This was a blatant attempt at self-exoneration. How can we tolerate it? Is it morally just?” Mr. Jatuporn questioned aloud, his words resonating with raw intensity.
In a cutting critique, Mr. Jatuporn also spotlighted Thaksin’s significant sway over his daughter, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, warning of the potential for further societal damage considering Thaksin’s previous “arrogance.” “In a society where distinctions between right and wrong become blurred by emotions and nepotism, people remain misled, perpetuating a cycle of disillusionment which is the height of evil,” he lamented.
Thaksin exemplifies a brand of reckless politics where promises are made and forgotten with ease, opined Mr. Jatuporn, criticizing Pheu Thai for failing to deliver on pledges made to its 10 million strong voter base in the last general election.
Echoing similar sentiments, former Democrat Party MP Thepthai Senpong derided Thaksin’s Thursday night speech as unoriginal, describing it as a condensed version of the forthcoming policy statement the Paetongtarn administration is set to present in parliament. “From beginning to end, Thaksin’s address was a rehash of old ideas… the Thai Kitchen to the World and entertainment complex concepts have lingered in the air for over two decades,” Mr. Thepthai quipped.
Furthermore, Mr. Thepthai critiqued the government’s plan to dispense 10,000 baht in digital currency to vulnerable groups—a cornerstone of the digital wallet scheme Thaksin emphasized during his address. He pointed out the irony given Thaksin’s previous vocal opposition to similar handout schemes under the previous administration.
“Based on his remarks Thursday night, one thing is crystal clear—Thaksin remains the puppet master behind the government, still brimming with the same old overconfidence and tendency to self-aggrandize,” observed Mr. Thepthai.
A chorus of critique resonated through the words of Seri Wongmontha, another prominent Thaksin adversary, expressing deep frustration over Thailand’s recurrent political missteps. He questioned when the nation, its people, and the media would finally learn from past errors in selecting representatives. “Is Thaksin truly the only person who can lead this country? Many seem to overlook his legal transgressions and embrace his leadership in the name of democracy,” Seri pondered aloud.
Meanwhile, Senator Nantana Nantavaropas weighed in, asserting that Thaksin’s purported influence over the current government warrants a thorough investigation.
Thaksin’s return is a blatant power grab. He’s trying to manipulate the system for his own benefit.
Isn’t that what all politicians do? At least he has some experience.
Playing devil’s advocate can be dangerous. His experience comes with a lot of baggage, including corruption!
Exactly, Anna. Experience doesn’t justify corruption and manipulation.
But does anyone else have a better plan for Thailand? It’s a hard choice.
Better plan? Perhaps. Honest plan? Definitely needed.
It’s time Thailand moves past Thaksin. New leaders, new solutions!
Who though? Most new leaders are just puppets of the old guard.
Exactly why we need genuine grassroots movements.
Grassroots movements can work, but they need proper backing and organization.
Thaksin’s speech was just recycled ideas. Nothing new or innovative.
Totally agree. It’s the same old story, just rehashed for a new audience.
But shouldn’t we focus on the content rather than the messenger?
True, the content matters, but if the messenger is tainted, it spoils everything.
Recycled ideas can work if they are implemented correctly.
Protecting democracy means holding leaders accountable. Thaksin shouldn’t be an exception.
All this hate on Thaksin is unnecessary. He did a lot of good when he was in power.
Joe, are you serious? The guy was corrupt through and through.
Corrupt or not, he brought about changes that helped the poor and the marginalized.
His policies were indeed beneficial to some, but at what cost?
The allegations of corruption are serious. How can people just overlook them?
Because they believe the ends justify the means. But that’s a dangerous mindset.
Can we discuss how Paetongtarn is caught in the middle of all this? She might just be a pawn.
Yes, her role is crucial here. It’s hard to tell if she’s leading or being led.
Absolutely. It’s important to distinguish her capabilities from her father’s influence.
Let’s give her a chance to prove herself without pre-judging.
Jatuporn’s shift from supporter to critic is suspicious. What’s his real motivation?
People can change their minds based on new insights.
Or they change based on what’s beneficial for them politically.
It’s hard to trust anyone in politics these days.
Given Thaksin’s history, he should be kept in check. Justice must prevail.
Why is everyone so focused on the past? Let’s talk about today and future solutions.
Because the past informs the future. Ignoring it can lead to repeated mistakes.
Fair point. But balance is key—learn from the past, act for the future.
Thaksin’s digital currency plan could be a game-changer. Why the skepticism?
Because his track record isn’t exactly spotless. Trust is earned.
People fear what they don’t understand. Digital currency is new and scary for many.
True, but it’s worth exploring. It could help a lot of people.
Thaksin should have served his time fully. Royal pardon or not, justice needs to be served.
Thaksin’s return feels orchestrated. It’s too convenient that he’s back now.
Education needs to improve for Thailand to escape this cycle of political drama.
Too much focus on personalities rather than policies. What reforms do they actually plan?
Good point. Policies over personalities always.
Exactly. Let’s shift the conversation towards action plans.