It’s often whispered in the corridors of power that major political parties can’t escape being directed by unseen hands. They’re often not steered by their official leaders but by those who pull the strings from behind the curtain — be they called chaperones, puppet masters, or the power behind the throne. According to sources, Thai politics has been long intertwined with these “de facto leaders” who find it incredibly tough to relinquish their hold on power.
Fast forward to today, and we’re seeing history repeat itself, the source noted. Prime examples are the ruling Pheu Thai and Bhumjaithai parties. Between the two, they command nearly half of the MPs in the House of Representatives, showcasing how “manipulative democracy” has firmly taken root in the nation.
Mark your calendars for August 22nd because Pheu Thai will probably throw a fiesta. Why? Paroled former premier Thaksin Shinawatra will be officially done with his prison sentence for various convictions that he chose to face last year. Critics have been vocal, accusing the state machinery of twisting the rules to let Thaksin evade jail time. Initially sent to the Police General Hospital for supposed severe illnesses, he later received parole. Celebrated as a hero by Pheu Thai, led by his youngest daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thaksin has been noted to traverse the country on parole, seemingly on a mission to bolster support for his party.
The source suggests August 22nd could be a turning point for Thaksin, enabling him to dive back into active politics. There’s buzz he might be offered the role of Pheu Thai’s chief adviser, which could mean substantial influence over the party’s policies without much resistance from Paetongtarn. This leads to blurred lines between leadership and familial bonds.
Thaksin has always been a linchpin in Pheu Thai, which traces its roots back to his founding of the now-dissolved Thai Rak Thai Party. He played a part in having his brother-in-law, Somchai Wongsawat, appointed as prime minister and was instrumental in mobilizing red-shirt supporters that handed Pheu Thai a victory—resulting in his sister, Yingluck Shinawatra, becoming prime minister.
Observers speculate that Thaksin could aim for a repeat of this success with Paetongtarn potentially replacing Srettha Thavisin, who was awaiting a ruling by the Constitutional Court on his eligibility after appointing ex-convict Pichit Chuenban as a minister.
Amid these political maneuvers, eyes are also on Bhumjaithai, led by Anutin Charnvirakul, but steered by a guiding hand similar to Pheu Thai’s. Newin Chidchob, Bhumjaithai’s co-founder, claimed to have distanced himself from politics to focus on building Buriram United into a football powerhouse. However, sources argue that Newin’s influence hasn’t waned, even if he has faded into the background.
Newin’s past paints him as a seasoned politician with a penchant for controversy, ranging from election fraud scandals to actions that tipped the scales in favor of the Democrat Party in 2009. Despite a political ban, Newin has continued to advise Bhumjaithai, ensuring it navigates safely through political storms and remains resilient against attacks from adversaries.
Unlike Thaksin, who often overshadows his daughter, Newin manages to stay out of the spotlight, allowing Anutin to steer Bhumjaithai independently. This contrast highlights the different dynamics at play within these two influential political entities.
Meanwhile, the dissolved Move Forward Party’s (MFP) 143 MPs have regrouped and are gearing up for a strong showing in the 2027 general election. They’ve taken over the Thin Kakao Chaovilai Party, renaming it “Prachachon” or People’s Party (PP), under the leadership of 37-year-old Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut. Their ambition is clear: secure enough House seats to form a single-party government and drive significant changes.
The first test for PP will be the by-election in Phitsanulok’s Constituency 1, vacated by former MP Padipat Suntiphada due to MFP’s dissolution. Padipat, who now aligns with the Fair Party, won his seat on MFP’s ticket and served as the first Deputy House Speaker.
PP has chosen Natthachanon Chanaburanasak as its candidate for the by-election, set for September 15. Following tradition, it is likely that only one government coalition party will field a contender. The PP’s preparations for the by-election are exhaustive, pulling in heavyweights like Pita Limjaroenrat, despite his political ban, to bolster the campaign.
While winning local elections has been a challenge for MFP-aligned candidates, analysts believe PP’s prospects may improve in future elections, especially in Ratchaburi, where the outcome will be a key indicator of the party’s popularity.
Despite challenges, PP hasn’t abandoned its goal to amend Section 112 of the Criminal Code. “We have to tread carefully and study the Constitutional Court’s ruling to avoid dissolution again,” Natthaphong emphasized at the party’s launch.
As the political drama unfolds, all eyes will be watching to see how these dynamics influence the future of Thai politics.
Thaksin’s return is just another chapter in the book of corrupt political dynasties. When will Thailand ever get true democracy?
Well, say what you like about Thaksin, but he did bring a lot of development to rural areas. Not all his policies were bad.
Sure, Prasit, but development at what cost? Corruption was rampant during his tenure. Should we condone that?
Exactly, James! Development doesn’t justify corruption. It’s like saying the ends justify the means.
Thaksin’s corruption gets a lot of attention, but others aren’t exactly saints either. It’s a broader issue in Thai politics.
Thaksin coming back into power would be a disaster for Thailand. We’ve been down this road before, and it never ends well.
Can it be any worse than what we have now? At least Thaksin had a clear vision for the country.
I agree, Chatchai. Thaksin’s influence means more political instability. We need new, cleaner leadership.
New leadership, yes. But show me a politician who isn’t tainted by scandal. It’s disheartening.
Exactly, Nop. But we still have to strive for something better. Settling for corrupt leaders is not the answer.
Pheu Thai’s focus on Thaksin feels like a step backward. What happened to nurturing new talent?
Paetongtarn is new talent! Maybe she learned from Thaksin’s mistakes and will do better.
Siriwan, it’s hard to be your own person when your father looms so large. Pheu Thai needs fresh, independent thinkers.
Interesting how Newin manages to stay out of the spotlight. Shows you don’t need to be front and center to wield power.
Bhumjaithai’s low-profile strategy might be why they’re more effective. Reminder: Newin is still banned from politics, yet the party thrives.
Isn’t that problematic, Ploy? Newin’s backdoor influence just shows how deep-rooted corruption is.
True, Ken. But at least they aren’t causing as much turmoil as Pheu Thai. Maybe it’s a lesser evil.
Anyone else thinks the real fight will be between PP and the old guard? The new generation might actually change things.
PP has a lot to prove, Michael. MFP didn’t exactly leave a great track record with their dissolution.
We can’t ignore the involvement of powerful oligarchs behind these political parties. Thaksin, Newin, they all have rich backers pulling strings.
Totally agree, Somsak. Until we deal with the money in politics, it’s just a game of musical chairs.
So, what do you guys think about Paetongtarn possibly leading Pheu Thai? Is she ready for that kind of responsibility?
She has the backing of Thaksin and the party, but she’s got big shoes to fill. It’s risky either way.
I think it’s a bit unfair to judge her already. She might bring a fresh perspective, who knows?
When family ties influence politics so heavily, democracy suffers. Thailand needs more transparency, not another Shinawatra takeover.
Transparency in politics sounds ideal, but is it actually achievable in a landscape like Thailand’s?
It’s a long shot, George, but that doesn’t mean we give up. Change has to start somewhere.
Exactly, Amy. Leaders should earn their positions, not inherit them. Nepotism has no place in modern democracy.
Move Forward Party’s rebirth as People’s Party sounds promising. Young leadership might be what Thailand needs.
Agreed, but do they have the experience to handle the political landscape? It’s tough out there.
Pita Limjaroenrat is still banned but involved in campaigns? Isn’t that against the rules?
Rules don’t matter when you’ve got influence, Jirachai. It’s frustrating but true.
I’m skeptical about PP’s chances in future elections. They might have ambition, but so did MFP and look what happened.
People’s Party might face the same fate as MFP if they push too hard on controversial topics like Section 112.