1-8-2023 (BANGKOK) In a strategic recommendation, political analysts are urging the Pheu Thai Party to redirect its attention towards consolidating support for its bid to form a new government, rather than focusing on the return of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Assoc Prof Phichai Ratanatilaka Na Bhuket, an academic from the National Institute of Development Administration (Nida), emphasized that rallying behind Srettha Thavisin, the potential nominee for the prime ministerial vote, should be the party’s primary concern.
As the Pheu Thai Party prepares for the upcoming prime ministerial vote on Friday, political observers suggest that the party’s main objective should be garnering sufficient support for their candidate. Assoc Prof Phichai Ratanatilaka Na Bhuket from Nida stressed the importance of maximizing backing for Srettha Thavisin, who is expected to be nominated. The party’s priority lies in securing the necessary votes to form a new government.
However, if Pheu Thai’s candidate fails to amass enough votes, Assoc Prof Phichai proposed that the party should consider relinquishing leadership of the alliance bloc to the Move Forward Party (MFP). This suggestion comes as the so-called “old powers,” comprising political parties within the caretaker government and their allies, exert pressure on Pheu Thai to sever ties with the MFP. Initially reluctant to engage in discussions with parties outside their alliance, the old powers have altered their stance in response to a statement made by Thaksin Shinawatra’s daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra. She announced her father’s plan to return to Thailand on August 10.
Rumors have circulated that Pheu Thai, along with its red-shirt supporters, has formed an unexpected alliance with their yellow-shirt counterparts backing the caretaker government. This alleged collaboration aims to prevent the MFP, which secured the highest number of House seats in the May 14 election, from assuming office. Assoc Prof Phichai highlighted that a secret agreement devised to facilitate Thaksin’s return to Thailand has reportedly been abruptly terminated, dashing the hopes of those anticipating his long-awaited homecoming.
Jatuporn Prompan, the former chairman of the red-shirt United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), expressed skepticism regarding Thaksin’s scheduled return on August 10. He reasoned that if Thaksin were to arrive as planned, he would likely face imprisonment instead of enjoying the privilege of a royal pardon. Mr. Jatuporn deemed the possibility of an instant pardon allowing Thaksin to return home highly unlikely, suggesting that alternative explanations may arise should the former prime minister fail to appear on the designated date.
