Finally, ex-convict-cum-former-premier Thaksin Shinawatra will complete his ‘parole’ next month, on August 22 to be exact, the Justice Ministry announced earlier this week.
For those wondering what role Thaksin will play four weeks from now and what will become of PM Srettha Thavisin, they should note an explanation provided by chief legal advisor of the government Wissanu Krea-ngam.
Wissanu said there was nothing to be confused about as back in 1991, when there was a coup, the junta leader then had more power than the prime minister. Without naming names, Wissanu referred to Gen. Sunthorn Kongsomponh, the junta leader, and PM Anand Panyarachun.
Wissanu added only journalists would be confused about such matters.
This sounds like Wissanu indirectly, or unconsciously, admitting that Thaksin is more powerful than PM Srettha. It is an accurate understanding of the political reality, however.
Thaksin is basically the supreme leader of the ruling Pheu Thai Party. If it is a private company, then Thaksin is the chairman, the founder, and majority chair holder of Pheu Thai Company Limited and Srettha is more like a hired CEO, if not general manager of the company.
How they will divide their works and roles a month from now will be something we must wait and see, however. BTW, Wissanu added it is easier to ask him what formal position Thaksin cannot hold rather than have him give a very long list of what position can Thaksin be appointed to by the government or the Pheu Thai Party. Wissanu said Thaksin could not become a PM as it is forbidden by the current junta-sponsored charter.
A new constitution is in the process of being drafted, however.
I will go as far as to say Srettha’s role and gravitas will decrease as Thaksin asserts himself more publicly. Some Thais believe Thaksin is a megalomaniac so he really just could not help himself. He could have happily retired in Dubai, London, or Hong Kong, a long, long time ago, but over there he is just another Asian billionaire to most local people.
Here in Thailand, he is Thaksin Shinawatra and Thaksin cannot be content with merely pulling the strings from behind. The man is in need of constant adoration in order to reassure his ego or esteem and with him turning 75 or 76 next Friday (depending on whether you count it the Chinese or Thai way), he might as well enjoy it before he resembles Joe Biden.
Admittingly, things will be less complicated if Srettha is removed from power by the Constitutional Court in the coming months as a result of having appointed Pichit Chuenban, (who was Thaksin and Yingluck Shinawatra’s lawyer, BTW), as PM Office Minister despite Pichit having been charged for attempted bribery of a judge in the past. If Srettha is removed by the court, Thaksin can now choose someone even more obedient or chummier to replace Srettha.
Many anti-Thaksinites may regroup if Thaksin eventually comes out to the front stage more often and prominently despite the fact that he is basically already running the show from behind the scene. How the public perception is ‘managed’ will be crucial for not just the future of Thaksin and the Pheu Thai government but Thailand as well.
It would not just be Thaksin running the show alone like in the good old days two decades ago when he was officially the PM, however. The government is a coalition government with two pro-military parties, particularly Phalang Pracharath Party which is led by former deputy junta leader Gen. Prawit Wongsuwan who harbors the ambition of at least becoming a PM by name one day.
