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The Star
7 days 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
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
MPs take up amnesty proposals
The House of Representatives on Wednesday began intense deliberations on five bills to foster social harmony and grant amnesty for political offences, submitted by MPs and citizen groups. Opening the session, Deputy Speaker Pichit Chuamuangphan presided over the presentation of the bills: the "Promote Peaceful Society Bill" by MP Wichai Sutsawat (United Thai Nation Party); "Promote Peaceful Society Bill" by MP Preeda Boonplerng (Klatham Party); "Amnesty for Political Offences Bill" by the People's Party (PP); the "People's Amnesty Bill" backed by 36,723 voters and Poonsuk Poonsukcharoen; and "Promote Peaceful Society Bill" by Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul -- a late submission. During the debate, PP list-MP Rangsiman Rome called for a broad, non‑discriminatory amnesty, citing abuse of Section 112 of the Criminal Code or the lese‑majeste law to silence dissent. He said the PP-sponsored bill omits specific offences and deadlines, entrusting a central committee -- comprising judiciary, parliamentary, and government representatives -- to vet eligible cases. The measure does not set a cutoff date for such cases. He said the bill is designed this way because, historically, the state has used "legal warfare" to target citizens with dissenting political views. This includes harsh application of laws such as Section 112, as well as minor infractions like public cleanliness laws or failure to carry an ID card, to harass political opponents. "In many Section 112 cases, state officials have filed charges without examining the facts, evidence, or ensuring fairness, which only deepens conflict," he said. By contrast, Bhumjaithai MP for Ang Thong, Paradorn Prisnanantakul, said his party firmly believes those who violated Section 112 cannot be granted amnesty. "Doing so could spark new unrest and prolong protests. If a full amnesty isn't possible, then at least some groups should benefit. We must remove certain elements from the equation to move forward," he said. Mr Paradorn acknowledged that some individuals would not benefit from the bill, but expressed hope that in the future -- once society is more open to dialogue and those individuals show remorse -- the issue could be revisited.
Bangkok Post
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
Papering over cracks
At a time when the country needs a strong, competent government to handle numerous challenges, the new cabinet is just the opposite. In short, it is not up to expectations, by any standards. The reshuffle became inevitable after Bhumjaithai, the second largest coalition partner, withdrew from the government and went into the opposition. Despite calls for Paetongtarn Shinawatra to quit over the controversial telephone conversation with Cambodian strongman Hun Sen, she is still struggling on. Hours after the cabinet list was announced on Tuesday, she was suspended as prime minister by the charter court over the telephone leak saga, but maintains a place in the cabinet as culture minister. Evidently, the new cabinet is not based on meritocracy. The change is to ensure the party's short-term, if not immediate, survival by sharing the political cake among those in its circle -- giving or returning favours so they do not jump ship and will still be around at the next election. Some appointments are astounding. Case in point is the appointment of newcomer Jatuporn Buruspat, as commerce minister. His background as permanent secretary for natural resources and the environment raises the question as to whether he is the right choice at the ministry that is supposed to tackle economic difficulties. However, he is a key figure in the Group of 18 in the United Thai Nation Party, which otherwise would have left the coalition. Two other newcomers who made it into the cabinet were Pongkawin Jungrungruangkit, the newly appointed labour minister, and Atthakorn Sirilathayakorn, the agriculture minister -- both of whom are political novices. More importantly, the decision to leave the defence portfolio completely vacant and to have deputy defence minister Gen Nattphon Narkphanit serve as an acting minister is hard to understand due to the fact that the country is currently having a border dispute with Cambodia and that there is also mounting violence in the deep South. Leaving such an important position vacant is unprecedented in Thai politics. At the same time, several under-performing ministers such as Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, who has kept a low profile amid the escalating Thai-Cambodian dispute, remains in the same post. Perhaps this is because he has proven to be a "yes man'' for the Shinawatra family. The new political partnership reflects one fact: that the ruling Pheu Thai Party has lost its bargaining power, so it has had to yield to the demands of smaller or micro parties, and even factions, handing them ministerial positions to prevent the government from falling apart. Yet the new coalition line-up, which now only has a paper thin majority cannot ensure stability. On the contrary, analysts are already labelling the coalition a lame-duck government which will face an uncertain political future. These cabinet appointments show Pheu Thai is focused on its own interests instead of thinking about how to move the country forward. This cabinet cannot win public confidence, nor trust.
Malaysian Reserve
22-06-2025
- Politics
- Malaysian Reserve
Thai premier won't quit to save government, ruling party says
THAI Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra (picture) will not resign or dissolve parliament, her party said Saturday, amid reports the leader may step down to keep the ruling coalition in power and to end a political crisis triggered by comments she had made that were critical of the army. Speculation that Paetongtarn would accept proposals from coalition parties to quit or dissolve parliament after the passage of the budget bill 'are completely untrue,' Sorawong Thienthong, secretary-general of Pheu Thai Party, said in a post on Facebook. 'The Prime Minister has firmly affirmed to us that she will continue to fully carry out her duties in addressing the crises the country is currently facing,' Sorawong said. Paetongtarn is fighting to save her less than one-year-old government after the exit of the second-largest party in her ruling alliance this week, leaving the bloc with a razor-thin majority in parliament. Her coalition now holds about 255 seats in the 495-member body and cannot afford more defections. Local media reported the ultra-conservative United Thai Nation Party, the second-largest in the coalition with 36 seats, threatened to leave the government unless Paetongtarn steps down to make way for a new prime ministerial vote. Paetongtarn has tried to ease public anger over her leaked phone call with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen by apologizing and calling for national unity, but her rivals have threatened to escalate street protests to press for her removal. On Friday, the prime minister also visited troops at a border post to show support for soldiers involved in a border standoff with Cambodia. Paetongtarn's administration is focused on resolving the Thai–Cambodian border issue, for which it's implementing strong countermeasures on both diplomatic and security fronts, and seriously pushing negotiations to resolve the US tariff threats, said Sorawong, who is also the minister for Tourism and Sports. –BLOOMBERG
Mint
21-06-2025
- Politics
- Mint
Thai Premier Won't Quit to Save Government, Ruling Party Says
(Bloomberg) -- Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra will not resign or dissolve parliament, her party said Saturday, amid reports the leader may step down to keep the ruling coalition in power and to end a political crisis triggered by comments she had made that were critical of the army. Speculation that Paetongtarn would accept proposals from coalition parties to quit or dissolve parliament after the passage of the budget bill 'are completely untrue,' Sorawong Thienthong, secretary-general of Pheu Thai Party, said in a post on Facebook. 'The Prime Minister has firmly affirmed to us that she will continue to fully carry out her duties in addressing the crises the country is currently facing,' Sorawong said. Paetongtarn is fighting to save her less than one-year-old government after the exit of the second-largest party in her ruling alliance this week, leaving the bloc with a razor-thin majority in parliament. Her coalition now holds about 255 seats in the 495-member body and cannot afford more defections. Local media reported the ultra-conservative United Thai Nation Party, the second-largest in the coalition with 36 seats, threatened to leave the government unless Paetongtarn steps down to make way for a new prime ministerial vote. Paetongtarn has tried to ease public anger over her leaked phone call with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen by apologizing and calling for national unity, but her rivals have threatened to escalate street protests to press for her removal. On Friday, the prime minister also visited troops at a border post to show support for soldiers involved in a border standoff with Cambodia. Paetongtarn's administration is focused on resolving the Thai–Cambodian border issue, for which it's implementing strong countermeasures on both diplomatic and security fronts, and seriously pushing negotiations to resolve the US tariff threats, said Sorawong, who is also the minister for Tourism and Sports. More stories like this are available on
