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The Star
9 hours ago
- Politics
- The Star
Thaksin's dinner diplomacy: a show of unity or a fight for survival?
BANGKOK: The Pheu Thai Party hosted a high-profile dinner on Tuesday (July 22) evening for Members of Parliament from the governing coalition, drawing an impressive turnout from MPs and party heavyweights alike. Nearly all senior figures were present, with absences few and mostly explained by late arrivals rather than no-shows. Earlier in the day, Pheu Thai MPs had gathered at the Eastin Grand Phayathai Hotel for a party meeting, where they unanimously endorsed Roi Et MP Chalard Khamchuang as the new second Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives. Immediately after the vote, the MPs made their way to the evening's dinner event. Among the most closely watched guests was former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who attended the dinner in an official capacity as a guest of the Pheu Thai Party. His appearance was seen as a show of strength and unity among coalition partners. However, the political symbolism of the gathering has prompted some within the coalition to express concern over potential legal challenges related to party interference, which could spark new dissolution cases. The dinner was held under tight security and in a closed-door format, with attendance limited to coalition leaders and MPs. Thaksin delivered a keynote address titled 'Uniting Thailand: Protecting Sovereignty and Solving Problems for the People,' laying out a vision for national unity and effective governance. Leading figures from all coalition parties were in attendance, including: Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister (United Thai Nation Party) Akanat Promphan, Industry Minister (United Thai Nation Party) Varawut Silpa-archa, Social Development and Human Security Minister (Chartthaipattana Party) Pol Col Tawee Sodsong, Justice Minister (Prachachat Party) Atthakorn Sirilatthayakorn, Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister (Kla Tham Party) Chaichana Detdecho, Deputy Public Health Minister (Democrat Party) Tewan Liptapallop, Deputy Education Minister (Chartpattana Party) Suwat Liptapallop, Chief Advisor to the Chartpattana Party A notable moment came before the event began, when Thaksin embraced his daughter, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, in a brief but symbolic display of political continuity. Thaksin confirmed to reporters, 'If you meet with political parties, of course you talk about politics.' This week's coalition dinner marked the first formal attempt to reaffirm ties among governing parties following the withdrawal of the Bhumjaithai Party from the coalition. While the atmosphere appeared upbeat, underlying political instability dominated conversations among party leaders and MPs — especially speculation over whether Prime Minister Paetongtarn would remain in office or be forced to step down pending the Constitutional Court's ruling. Thaksin and the Pheu Thai leadership are well aware that, in the run-up to the Constitutional Court's verdict on Paetongtarn's controversial conversation with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen, a wave of rumours and political manoeuvring will flood the political landscape. Speculation over coalition shifts and alternative power alignments is expected to intensify. To counter these so-called 'whispered chronicles' of regime change, Thaksin and Pheu Thai have moved to display unity and strength among coalition members. The image of all key party leaders and MPs standing in line together was intended to signal to conservative powerbrokers that supporting the "red camp" could offer a viable path to political stability — potentially prolonging the current coalition's tenure until near the end of its term in 2027. In contrast, opting to replace the prime minister or switch alliances might risk unsettling the fragile political equilibrium and could trigger an early House dissolution—an outcome conservative elites would prefer to avoid. This hesitation stems from the current coalition's disadvantage against the surging popularity of the 'orange wave,' which appears fully prepared for an early election. Should a snap poll be called, the political playing field may shift beyond their control. At the same time, Thaksin is urging Pheu Thai and its coalition partners to hold the parliamentary front together. With the government clinging to a razor-thin majority, any disruption could derail legislative work and leave it vulnerable to attacks from the opposition and political rivals. During his keynote speech at the coalition dinner, Thaksin reflected on his early exposure to politics. He recounted that 51 years ago, at the age of 25, he had no political experience but was given an opportunity to assist Prida Patanathabutr, then Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office under the administration of M.R. Kukrit Pramoj. He remarked that the political atmosphere today is strikingly similar to that era — fragmented, with no dominant ruling party. The government's stability depends on a coalition of multiple parties, which in turn affects legislative processes. Although the current coalition holds a slight majority, he emphasised that true strength lies in unity. 'If we are united in solving the country's problems—even amidst undesirable political manoeuvres—we can endure,' he said. He acknowledged that Bhumjaithai's recent withdrawal from the coalition was a move made from a position of political advantage. Nevertheless, he stressed that the remaining coalition parties remain firmly aligned and committed to moving forward together. Thaksin said he had told his daughter, Prime Minister Paetongtarn, that such solidarity must not be temporary: 'If no one abandons one another now, then we must not abandon each other going forward.' Drawing from past experience, he added, 'What I've seen 11 years ago — today is far better. I'm confident we can sustain this government. I believe in the setback theory. Like a tennis stroke, sometimes you must step back to hit harder. Once we overcome today's difficulties, the government will be stronger than ever — because we are unified, and no one is being left behind.' This show of unity from Thaksin and Pheu Thai signals an urgent push to reinforce control, as Paetongtarn's premiership now leans heavily on coalition support. Should she survive the Constitutional Court's impending ruling regarding her controversial conversation with Hun Sen, she will need the full backing of coalition MPs—especially in the legislative arena. Even in the worst-case scenario — if the court's decision results in Paetongtarn's removal—Pheu Thai is prepared to move forward with the coalition intact by nominating its third prime ministerial candidate, Chaikasem Nitisiri, to step in as her successor. Still, questions remain: will this dinner mark the beginning of a truly unified front, or was it merely a fleeting gesture of political romance? Meanwhile, the 'blue camp' has not conceded defeat. Instead, it is quietly positioning itself, signalling its readiness to be called upon by conservative powerbrokers as a viable alternative should the political tide turn. - The Straits Times/ANN
Bangkok Post
a day ago
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
Thaksin joins coalition unity dinner
Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was the centre of attention at a dinner hosted by the ruling Pheu Thai Party to foster unity among partners in the coalition government on Tuesday evening. The event, held at the Eastin Grand Hotel Phayathai in Bangkok, marked the first formal gathering of the government led by suspended prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thaksin's youngest daughter. Dubbed 'Pheu Thai Samakkhi Prathet: Defending Sovereignty, Solving Problems for the People', the dinner was attended by cabinet ministers and MPs from all coalition parties. Attendees included representatives from United Thai Nation Party (UTN), including 18 members who are considering jumping ship; the Democrat, Kla Tham, Chartthaipattana, Chartpattanakla and Prachachat parties. The atmosphere was lively and congenial. Thaksin arrived at the venue at 6pm and was warmly received by Paetongtarn and other Pheu Thai cabinet ministers. Father and daughter were all smiles despite the mounting legal challenges they face. Thaksin faces a ruling in the lese-majeste case against him on Aug 22. Another court is looking into allegations of preferential treatment when he served his entire prison sentence in a hospital VIP room. Ms Paetongtarn, meanwhile, is awaiting a ruling from the Constitutional Court on a possible ethics breach arising from her handling of an embarrassing phone call from former Cambodian prime minister Hun Sen. Smiling as he greeted reporters, Thaksin was asked what topic he planned to speak about. 'If you're in politics, you must talk politics,' he said. He declined to answer when asked whether he was concerned his presence could be interpreted as exerting undue influence over the government. Widely perceived as the de facto leader of Pheu Thai, Thaksin has been the target of other legal complaints that his 'outsider' influence on the party is possible grounds for its dissolution. Both Ms Paetongtarn and her father addressed the gathering. Ms Paetongtarn, now serving as culture minister, expressed hope that she will be allowed to return to her former job. She also thanked those present for their continued display of unity. 'We already have the same intention and goal, which is to take care of our brothers and sisters, the people,' she said. Thaksin delivered a pep talk in which he urged everyone to be patient and work together as the country faces many challenges. 'From now on, we will be serious,' he said. At the moment, he said, he is 'unemployed', so if any ministers want to consult him, he is happy to do so. Among the key Pheu Thai members in attendance were Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong, Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin, Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat, Labour Minister Pongkawin Jungrungruangkit, Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, Deputy Transport Ministers Monporn Charoensri and Surapong Piyachote, Deputy Education Minister Linthiporn Warinwatcharot, Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul, and PM's Office Minister Jiraporn Sindhuprai.
Bangkok Post
a day ago
- Business
- Bangkok Post
No more changes to minimum wage this year, says minister
The Ministry of Labour has confirmed there will be no further increases to the minimum wage this year, saying the next shift will take place in 2026. Minister Pongkawin Jungrungruangkit said on Tuesday that two wage adjustments have already taken place this year. The minimum wage is usually only adjusted once a year, he said after a meeting of the national wage committee, which includes representatives of government, business and labour. Committee members met on Tuesday to consider extending the 400-baht minimum wage to more areas of the country but decided to put consideration on hold until 2026. The current minimum daily wage rates vary by province and range from 337 to 400 baht. A recent adjustment on July 1 extended the 400-baht rate to Bangkok and to all hotels and entertainment venues nationwide, regardless of location. The 400-baht rate also applies in a handful of other high-cost provinces: Chon Buri, Phuket, Rayong, and Koh Samui in Surat Thani. Elsewhere, rates range from 337 to 380 baht. Asked whether the 400-baht rate would be applied nationwide by 2026, Mr Pongkawin said no clear timeline has been set. A single nationwide rate of 400-baht was a flagship campaign pledge by the Pheu Thai Party before the 2023 election. However, businesses and the wage committee have opposed the idea as impractical because it fails to take into account differences in living costs across the country. The latest wage order also includes a provision that limits working hours for employees in hazardous occupations to no more than seven hours per day, in accordance with the Labour Protection Act. For other jobs, the standard working hours remain capped at eight hours per day. Employers are also required to pay no less than the statutory minimum wage, even if employees work fewer hours than the standard full-day schedule.
Bangkok Post
2 days ago
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
Thaksin to attend govt dinner event
Wisut Chainaroon, the chief government whip, has confirmed that former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra will attend a dinner with coalition parties scheduled for Tuesday. He dismissed concerns that Thaksin's presence may be perceived as an attempt to exert control over his party or the government. Mr Wisut, a list MP of the ruling Pheu Thai Party, said Thaksin's attendance is not unusual, noting that since the current government assumed office two years ago, coalition MPs have only dined together once. However, as certain parties have now left, there is a need for discussion and mutual understanding to reinforce unity and cohesion, particularly in preparation for parliamentary sessions. Addressing criticism that Thaksin's presence could be seen as influencing or dominating the party and government, Mr Wisut clarified that simply sharing a meal and having conversations does not mean exerting control. "Domination involves issuing directives -- telling a political party, its MPs, or the government what to do. If he [Thaksin] merely shares his knowledge and experience, it should be acknowledged that during his time as prime minister, the Thai people were very happy. Drawing upon his experience and advice can be beneficial," Mr Wisut said. "Many of the newer MPs have never had the opportunity to meet or hear directly from Mr Thaksin. For them, this will be a valuable experience," he said. Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, who is currently acting as prime minister, said the coalition dinner is part of a regular process allowing MPs from coalition parties to meet, build relationships, foster interaction and exchange views and ideas. He noted that typically, gatherings of this nature are not open to outsiders. "As for the media, further discussions may be needed to determine whether access will be granted for filming," added Mr Phumtham.
The Star
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Hun Sen calls Thaksin out, reveals historic role in Thai politics
Hun Sen (above) said former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra called Cambodia's leader "immoral" a few days ago. -- PHOTO: AFP PHNOM PENH (Phnom Penh Post/ANN): Hun Sen said he is not interested in speaking with former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, after the latter told Thai media that he has stopped communicating with the former Cambodian premier. 'I want to tell Thaksin that it should be me who should not want to talk to you, ever since your daughter was arrogant and looked down on me. "Moreover, I have no interest in speaking with someone who has been convicted and is preparing to face additional charges. So, do not think too highly of yourself – talking to you only brings me trouble!' Hun Sen wrote in a Facebook post on July 20. On July 19, Thaksin declared that he was determined to stop communicating with Hun Sen, citing fears of his conversations being secretly recorded. He also urged the Thai authorities to complain to the UN regarding a landmine explosion that injured Thai soldiers earlier that week, according to Thai media outlet Khaosod English. 'From my observation, since Thaksin became involved in Thai politics, Thailand has been in great turmoil, starting before the 2006 coup. "I also do not want to bring up the severe insults you directed at the Thai monarchy – those words were too vile for me to repeat, as they would only tarnish the dignity of the Thai King. But you acknowledge that they are true,' Hun Sen added. He added that a few days ago, Thaksin called Cambodia's leader 'immoral', an insult as grave as the one made by Thaksin's daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who referred to the Cambodian leadership as 'unprofessional', sparking anger among the Cambodian public. 'I want to ask you if I lack morality, why did you rely on me for 19 years, from 2006 to 2025, constantly listening to my advice and even calling me 'Leader Number One'? Do you remember the formation of the Pheu Thai Party to contest the 2011 elections? "Apart from some ideas, there was a theory: 'Thaksin thinks, Pheu Thai acts'. That was my theory, Hun Sen's theory, which I shouldn't have to remind you of,' he added. He also revealed that Thaksin was the mastermind behind the Pheu Thai Party and that the betrayal of the Bhumjaithai Party was Thaksin's idea, not that of his daughter, who is currently suspended from her role as Thai prime minister. -- THE PHNOM PENH POST/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
