Srettha Thavisin (L), Thaksin Shinawatra (R). Image composite courtesy: Thai Rath
In an insightful commentary today, Pichai Ratanadilok na Phuket, from the National Institute of Development Administration, urged influential Pheu Thai Party figure Thaksin Shinawatra to cease exerting his behind-the-scenes sway over Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Pichai highlighted concerns that Thaksin's omnipresence has steadily eroded the party’s popularity.
The backdrop to this development revolves around Thaksin's perceived role as a backstage puppet master, jeopardising Srettha’s autonomy. Allegations suggest that he steers party policies and indirectly influences governmental decisions, creating tensions within the party and dissatisfaction among its grassroots supporters.
Pichai stressed that Thaksin's invisible hand in governance has significantly impacted Srettha's economic policies, rendering them lacklustre and failing to meet public expectations.
The academic further postulated that to restore confidence in the government, Thaksin should completely withdraw from political manoeuvrings, allowing Srettha and other officials to lead without interference. This shift, he argued, would consolidate a singular leadership, eliminating any ambiguity regarding who holds true authority.
Currently, Thaksin, entangled in legal battles and having recently been denied permission for a private trip to Dubai, continues to influence significant government campaigns. Notably, projects like the 10,000-baht digital wallet initiative aim to rejuvenate public support amidst economic challenges but have sparked controversy due to their populist undertones and delayed implementation.
Moreover, Pichai anticipates that Srettha might be acquitted by the Constitutional Court in an ongoing impeachment lawsuit, potentially avoiding a severe political crisis.
This case revolves around the contentious appointment of Pichit Chuenban, a former lawyer with a tarnished reputation linked to Thaksin, as a minister. If Srettha is deemed guilty, it could precipitate an immediate loss of his prime ministerial status, thrusting the country into another leadership vacuum.
Even if such a crisis were to unfold, Thaksin is expected to manoeuvre meticulously to keep the prime ministerial post within his party. Possible successors might include Pheu Thai MP Chaikasem Nitisiri or even Thaksin’s daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, although internal opposition casts doubt on the latter's viability, reported Thai Newsroom.
As the political drama unfolds, the key question remains whether Thaksin will heed advice and allow a clearer, more independent leadership to emerge within the Pheu Thai Party.
-- 2024-08-02
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