The landscape of Thai politics has been set ablaze, following the revelation of the current Prime Minister and Finance Minister’s proposition to take former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra under his wing. In an exclusive with Bloomberg Television, Srettha Thavisin spoke highly of Thaksin, alluding to the former premier’s nationwide popularity and citing it as reason enough to seek his counsel. But the pathway through the treacherous terrain of politics is rarely smooth, and this comment saw its fair share of opposition in the hallowed halls of the Parliament.
A voice of dissent echoed from Senator Somchai Sawangkarn’s quarters. An worrisome unpacking of potential fallouts from associating with Thaksin formed the crux of his Friday address. In no uncertain terms, Somchai warned of the consequences of putting a man, tainted by a trio of convictions, on a pedestal. Despite his lenient one-year jail term, granted via a royal pardon, Thaksin’s courtroom record and health conditions, which have kept him at the Police General Hospital for over 30 days, have undeniable ramifications for the Prime Minister’s counsel-seeking endeavour.
Somchai further declared the premature nature of the Prime Minister’s decision to invite the 61-year-old Thaksin as an adviser. He emphasized the importance of respecting judicial procedures and urged Thaksin to serve his sentenced jail term to maintain balance in the societal fabric. Ignoring these vital elements could prove detrimental; potential civil disquiet could be just around the corner.
In light of these unfolding events, the Senate Committee on Political Development and Public Participation has called for a meeting on the next working Monday. Key parties including the Justice Ministry’s permanent secretary, the Corrections Department’s director-general, and representatives from the Royal Thai Police are expected to contribute to the discussions revolving around Thaksin’s medical state and its implications on his potential advisory role.
In sync with Somchai’s critique was Dr Warong Dechgitvigrom, leader of the Thai Pakdee Party. He presented a dire image of government credibility and integrity being marred by even the suggestion of Thaksin, a previously convicted figure, as an adviser. Conversely, the Senate’s President Pornpetch Wichitcholchai and Deputy Prime Minister-cum-Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai threw their weight behind Thavisin’s suggestion. Wichitcholchai interpreted Thavisin’s proposal as a mere exploration of possibilities that can be derived from Thaksin’s experience. Wechayachai echoed this sentiment, putting forth that Thaksin’s six-year stint in national administration could serve as a resourceful wellspring of advice.
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