Picture this: Thaksin Shinawatra, the ever-controversial former prime minister of Thailand, making his grand entrance back onto Thai soil. On May 25, amidst the buzz and anticipation, he touched down in Nakhon Ratchasima on his private jet, greeted by an ocean of supporters, their faces alight with joy and hope. It was a sight to behold, captured perfectly in a snapshot by Prasit Tangprasert. However, this high-flying return was clouded by a looming shadow, as the attorney general sharpened his legal blades, readying to indict Thaksin on the serious charges of lese majeste.
According to the whispers in the corridors of power, Thaksin’s legal woes stem from a rumored fallout with Thailand’s traditional power brokers. Stithorn Thananithichot, a name synonymous with thoughtful political analysis and the director at the Office of Innovation for Democracy, shed some light on the matter. Speaking to the Bangkok Post, he suggested that the indictment was less about the law and more about sending a crystal-clear message from the old guard: “Stick to the deal, Thaksin. Or else.”
Despite not holding any official position within the government, Thaksin’s influence looms large, particularly through the Pheu Thai Party, currently under the leadership of his youngest daughter, Paetongtarn. This political chess game has seen Thaksin maneuvering ever closer to the center of Thai politics since his return, raising more than a few eyebrows among the conservative elites.
“This lese majeste case? It’s a warning shot,” Stithorn explained, outlining the stakes of the political deal that seems to bind the very fabric of Thai politics. From cabinet formations to Senate elections, everything is part of a grand bargain, a delicate balance of power and mutual benefit. “But beware,” he cautioned, “Thaksin’s burgeoning influence has set alarm bells ringing among the old power factions. They’re wary, fearing a tilt in the balance, hence the legal saber-rattling. Yet, it’s unlikely Thaksin will face severe consequences—they need him, after all, as much as they need the deal to be respected.”
Surachart Bamrungsuk, another heavyweight in the arena of political science from Chulalongkorn University, chimed in, agreeing that the indictment signals a breakdown in the fragile pact between Thaksin and the old guard. “The tension is palpable,” he observed, pondering whether Thaksin will have to dial back his ambitions or if a new round of political haggling is on the horizon.
Contrastingly, Thanaporn Sriyakul, director of the Political and Public Policy Analysis Institute, saw things differently. Speaking with the same air of conviction, he suggested that the indictment was a matter of legal duty rather than political chess. All eyes are now on June 18, when Thaksin is set to appear in court. With a storied history of lese majeste suspects often being denied bail, this could be a significant moment for Thaksin, marking either his continuance in the political limelight or a potential shift to the shadows.
Meanwhile, Wisut Chainaroon, a list MP from the Pheu Thai Party, was quick to sever any perceived connections between Thaksin’s legal troubles and the party’s fortunes. “Thaksin and Pheu Thai? Apples and oranges,” he quipped, dismissing any notion of political fallout.
In the eye of this brewing storm, the attorney general pressed on, indicting Thaksin not just on lese majeste charges but also for computer crimes, tied to comments made during an interview in Seoul back in 2015. Thaksin’s words, considered a dent to national security, have now brought him back into the legal crosshairs, a testament to the enduring tug-of-war between the man and the establishment.
The plot thickened as prosecution efforts hit a snag with Thaksin’s lawyer presenting a medical certificate stating Thaksin was combatting Covid-19, pushing his court appearance to the later date. Yet, with the stage set for June 18, all eyes are on Thaksin, a figure as divisive as he is influential, now at the heart of a legal drama that encapsulates the very essence of Thailand’s turbulent political landscape.
Through legal battles, political maneuverings, and public fervor, Thaksin Shinawatra remains a character larger than life, his saga interwoven with the destiny of a nation caught between tradition and transformation. As this chapter unfolds, Thailand watches, waits, and wonders: What comes next?
Thaksin Shinawatra’s return is just political theater. He’s looking to stir the pot and regain his power, legal troubles be damned. Politics in Thailand is becoming more like a reality TV show!
Couldn’t disagree more. Thaksin is a visionary who uplifted millions out of poverty. He’s been unfairly targeted by the elites who can’t stand the thought of losing their grip on power.
A ‘visionary’ who’s now facing lese majeste charges? Sounds more like a fugitive trying to wiggle his way back into the scene. His ‘uplifting’ was filled with corruption and self-service.
Exactly, SiamSam. It’s all about perspective. To some, he’s a hero; to others, a criminal. But, let’s not gloss over the fact that his tenure was fraught with fraud.
You’re missing the point. It’s not about Thaksin himself; it’s what he represents – a challenge to the old way of doing things in Thailand. This clash is inevitable.
Spot on, NokNoi. He represents change, and that’s exactly why the traditional power holders are scared.
It all sounds too convenient for Thaksin, doesn’t it? COVID-19 delaying his court appearance? This man seems to have luck on his side, or maybe it’s just a well-played strategy to avoid immediate legal repercussions.
I wouldn’t be too quick to call it luck. COVID-19 is a grave issue, and it shouldn’t be used to undermine the seriousness of his health situation… if it’s true, that is.
Regardless of whether it’s strategy or genuine health concerns, the delay in court proceedings just gives Thaksin more time to consolidate his power and influence. The legal system appears to be at a disadvantage here.
Remember folks, this isn’t just about Thaksin. It’s about the fragile balance of power in Thailand. With his daughter leading the Pheu Thai Party, the narrative is bigger than one man; it’s about a family’s legacy and its role in shaping the future of Thai politics.
Absolutely, it’s a dynastic drama unfolding. But let’s not forget the countless others who’ve suffered under this political tug-of-war. The common people often end up as collateral damage in these power games.
Entirely true. This drama detracts from the real issues facing Thailand: economic disparity, education, and health care. When will we see those topics taking center stage instead of these endless political rivalries?
Thaksin’s return and the ensuing drama feels like a deja vu. But what’s different this time? Will anything change, or are we in for the same old political loop?
Thaksin’s saga is emblematic of the wider issue at hand – the battle between modernity and tradition in Thailand. How the country navigates this tension will be telling of what future awaits us as a nation.
That’s a very idealistic view. The issue isn’t as black and white as tradition vs. modernity. It’s also about accountability, transparency, and genuine democracy, qualities that have been missing in Thai politics for too long.
I find it fascinating how the political elite in Thailand view Thaksin as both an indispensable ally and a threat. It’s like they can’t decide whether they’re better off with him around or in exile.
It’s all about leverage and bargaining chips. Thaksin knows how to play the game, and so does the elite. It’s a dance, and right now, the music’s still playing. Who ends up leading is anyone’s guess.
“..his grand entrance back onto Thai soil” was in August 2023, not this month.
“There was not “…an ocean of supporters” in Nakhon Ratchasima, just a few.
He came on his small “private jet” not a big plane shown in your fake picture. as if it is going to hit a sacred temple ….. with strange flags too, …
Why mention “…..snapshot by Prasit Tangprasert” but not show it, …. due to BP’s copyright?
Yet most of your stories just rehash BP’s news, with unreal fake comments.
You have a weird website, ….. fueled by cannabis?