BANGKOK — Not only did former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra express happiness during his birthday celebrations over these three days, but the parties and the interview he gave to the media also sent political messages.
On July 26, Thaksin celebrated his 75th birthday at his Chan Song La residence in Bangkok, following the previous two parties in the past three days. It was the first time in 17 years that he had celebrated his birthday in Thailand since he returned to his homeland on August 22, 2023.
He said that there is no place like home, where he has family, friends, familiar food, culture, and surroundings; therefore, he has been truly happy.
“Today I made merit by inviting respected monks to chant blessings and give alms. I enjoyed a simple meal with close friends, including politicians, businessmen and family members. It was a very happy atmosphere. (Close associates) did not need to book air tickets, such as Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the Pheu Thai Party leader, who usually has to fly to see me,” Thaksin said.
Political and business allies close to him and his family attended the events. Attendees included Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Phumtham Wechayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Suriya Jungrungreangkit, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Minister of Digital Economy and Society Prasert Chantrarawong, Minister of Social Development and Human Security Varawut Silpa-archa, Chairman of the Chart Pattana Party Suwat Liptapanlop, Chairman of the Board of Gulf Energy Development Sarath Ratanavadi, and Chairman of BTS Group Holdings Keeree Kanjanapas.
However, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin was not present at any of the parties.
Backup Plan for Court’s Ruling on Srettha
Prime Minister Srettha said at Don Mueang Air Force Base that he was preoccupied with work, so he was unable to wish Thaksin Shinawatra a happy birthday in person today. He added that he had called Thaksin this morning, but Thaksin was unable to answer the phone as he was in the middle of a merit-making ceremony.
Srettha had previously visited Thaksin at Chan Song La house last year, but he has not shown any indication of appointing Thaksin to a political advisory position. He himself is awaiting the Constitutional Court’s ruling on a case filed by former senators to determine whether the appointment of Mr. Pichit Chuenbaan as a minister would result in Srettha’s removal from office.
Thaksin said that the Prime Minister acted with sincerity and straightforwardness, with no complications. He believed that Srettha could explain everything and that there shouldn’t be any concerns.
When asked if it was necessary to have a backup plan, Thaksin said, “I can’t be Prime Minister anymore. I’m old and my working time is over. Besides qualifications, my working time is over. My duty is to give advice and encouragement.”
When reporters asked about the trip he and his daughter, Paetongtarn, leader of the Pheu Thai Party, took to relax at Anutin’s resort in Khao Yai, and whether it was a ‘Khao Yai Pact’ preparing for political changes, Thaksin said it was not.
He stated that the issue of pacts had already caused him trouble once before. In reality, there was nothing to it. Although he is a veteran politician, his duty now is to create reconciliation to strengthen politics and allow the country to move forward, rather than to perform other roles.
Restoring Economic Confidence
When reporters mentioned the current popularity of the song ‘Missing Uncle Tu,’ which refers to former Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha, as some people were comparing the current economic situation to that of the previous government, Thaksin said, ‘General Prayuth Chan-o-cha is now a Privy Councillor. He won’t return to politics. Let’s not do anything to tarnish his reputation.
Thaksin said that he is also concerned about the economy. Today, ordinary people are struggling. He suggested that everyone should work together to quickly revitalize the country and restore confidence.
“In a capitalist economic system, confidence, credibility, and trust are crucial. If confidence can be restored, money will flow in naturally. Without confidence and credibility, money will disappear completely. Today, many people are in debt. We need to cast a spell to bring money back in,” he said.
He emphasized that Pheu Thai is the only party that can fix this situation, saying, ‘In truth, if our party can’t fix it, no one can, because our party has extensive experience.’
A Matter of a Father Advising His Daughter
When reporters asked if there was a chance he would accept a political position, Thaksin said, ‘There’s nothing. My salary (senior citizen welfare payment) is now 700 baht, so what position could I possibly take?’ When asked if he would take on a role in the Pheu Thai Party to help Ms. Paetongtarn, Thaksin said it was a matter of a father advising his daughter.
Thaksin also stated that this year is a meaningful and joyful year because in two days Thai people are celebrating the 72nd birthday of His Majesty the King of Thailand and he will celebrate with his fellow Thais, which make him very happy.
When asked if he had any birthday wishes for himself, Thaksin said that health was the most important thing. Everyone who is older than 55 should start taking care of their health because it is crucial for life. If you have energy, you can make an important contribution to the country. If you maintain good physical health and a sharp mind, you can help the nation.
When asked what gifts his children had given him, Thaksin replied, “My children did not like the foyer, so they put money together to buy me a piano to keep me company, even though I can’t play it. I will have it played by a ghost.”
Ms. Paetongtarn, in an interview about her father’s birthday wishes, said that she had wished every year for him to return to Thailand. Now that the wish has come true, everyone who came today has always visited their father. Today, he should be happy to be here among those who love him. Everything comes down to the heart, which is the most important thing.
As for the family member who is very close to Thaksin but couldn’t attend this event due to still being in exile abroad, former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra posted a photo of herself with Thaksin and wished him: ‘Happy 75th birthday, my dearest brother. This year is a “perfect year” for you. May you be in good health and happy always.’
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