Ex- PM’s vacation home to boost Pheu Thai
After being defeated by the more progressive Move Forward Party ( MFP ) in the May 14 election, former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra plans to travel to his home province of Chiang Mai on Thursday in an effort to boost the party’s popularity.
Pheu Thai lost ground to the MFP, including in Bangkok’s 32 districts and the northeastern state of Chiang Mai, which is considered the side’s” capital”.
In Chiang Mai’s election next year, the MFP won seven votes while Pheu Thai won just two, tying for 10 seat titles. The Palang Pracharath Party ( PPRP ) secured the other.
In the 2019 election, Chiang Mai had nine district votes, and Pheu Thai won them all.
Thaksin has long been viewed as the de facto leader of Pheu Thai, which created a partnership government and is now led by his youngest child, Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
Thaksin made his first journey to his native state in 17 times on his personal flight, arriving in Chiang Mai on Thursday. He was released from the Police General Hospital on parole last month.
Thaksin, accompanied by Ms Paetongtarn, her father Pitaka Suksawat and their daughter Thitarn, arrived at Wing 41 at 9.28am.
Police oversaw protection under the direction of assistant federal authorities chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn.
The 74- yr- ancient convicted former prime minister next visited the Royal Park Rajapruek, an 81- hectare floral garden built in Chiang Mai’s Muang district in 2006 when Thaksin was perfect minister.
Upon his appearance, Phudit Insuwan, a previous MP of the now- former Thai Rak Thai Party, who was among the waiting followers, presented him with a Buddha monument.
Thaksin greeted his followers. As he continued to wear a neck prepare, he held his daughter’s hands throughout the journey while a nurse carefully looked after him.
Joining him on the journey were ex- PM and Thaksin’s nephew- in- rules Somchai Wongsawat, Thaksin’s younger girl Yaowapa Wongsawat, Permanent Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment Chatuporn Burutphat, and Chiang Mai Governor Nirat Wongsitthithavorn.
Thaksin was welcomed by Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Thamanat Prompow and ministry’s permanent director Prayoon Insakul.
The outpouring of support in Chiang Mai, according to Phichai Ratnatilaka Na Bhuket, an intellectual at the National Institute of Development Administration, underlines Thaksin’s political influence.
” The true power is in his arms. He has the final say in deciding the way the state will take, he said.
He added that it would be difficult for Pheu Thai to restore its reputation because it is believed to be fighting with former adversaries like the PPRP.
Some were upset with Pheu Thai’s about-face, according to Mr. Phichai, while steadfast supporters of Thaksin may continue to support it.
” Even if Thaksin steps in to help Pheu Thai, it is unlikely that he will be able to win back those supporters”, he said.
As long as Pheu Thai stays in line with the old power groups,” I do n’t think unhappy supporters will change their minds.”
Stithorn Thananithichot, director of the Office of Innovation for Politics at King Prajadhipok’s Institute, told the Bangkok Post he believed Thaksin’s attend to Chiang Mai had social relevance.
Because he merely desired to look after his children, Thaksin decided not to travel back to Thailand. He will have to engage in politics to help rebuild Pheu Thai’s popularity”, he said.
The appointment of a new Senate this year and the vote of provincial operational organizations earlier in the year will serve as indicators of what to expect, according to Mr. Stithorn.