4-8-2023 (BANGKOK) Fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has reportedly postponed his plans to return to Thailand until a Pheu Thai-led government is formed, according to a source from the party. Thaksin, who is widely believed to be Pheu Thai’s de facto leader, was originally scheduled to arrive on August 10, as announced by his daughter Paetongtarn “Ung Ing” Shinawatra on Instagram last week.
The decision was taken to ensure his return goes smoothly, the source revealed. Thaksin delayed his return after hearing that the prime ministerial vote scheduled for the day was postponed, pending a Constitutional Court decision on whether or not Pita Limjaroenrat’s renomination as a prime ministerial candidate in the second parliamentary vote was constitutional.
Thaksin also believed he should wait as Pheu Thai was still holding discussions with other parties to join its new coalition, the source added. At present, three parties are likely to join the Pheu Thai-led bloc, namely the Bhumjaithai, Chartthaipattana, and Democrat parties. Negotiations are still underway with the United Thai Nation (UTN) Party and the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), but several micro-parties are expected to help boost the bloc.
National police chief Pol Gen Damrongsak Kittiprapas confirmed that the ex-prime minister has not confirmed his schedule with the police. Thaksin fled the country in 2008 after being convicted by the Supreme Court for helping his then-wife, Khunying Potjaman Na Pombejra, buy prime land in the Ratchadaphisek area at a discount while he was prime minister.
Political analyst Pichit Tamoon, a key figure with the red-shirt United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship’s Chiang Mai chapter, said Thaksin’s announcement about returning home on August 10 was just a ploy to drum up support from Pheu Thai sympathisers. He added that he did not expect Thaksin to return anytime soon due to safety concerns.
“Red-shirt supporters will be disappointed if he does not return, but we’re getting used to it, as we have been waiting for about 20 years. It is up to him to decide when to return,” Mr Pichit said.
