UDON THANI — Facing renewed criticism from opponents about his stay on the “14th floor” of the Police Hospital instead of prison, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra took to the stage in Udon Thani, known as the “capital of the Red Shirts.”
In his first public address on stage in 18 years at Sri Nakaram Temple on November 13, Thaksin admitted feeling nervous and stuttering slightly, saying he needed to practice speaking again.
He emphasized issues that most concern local people: creating economic opportunities, addressing debt problems, and tackling drug issues. He also discussed his daughter’s work as Prime Minister and sought support from Udon Thani residents
Thaksin expressed concern about debt problems and poverty among Thai people, especially in provincial areas, referring to the saying “mother addicted to lottery, father to alcohol, children to drugs.” He warned people against excessive lottery gambling. He mentioned that PM Paetongtarn had told him, “Ing is worried about local residents’ heavy debt. Dad, help me think about how to solve this.”
He explained that the initial 10,000 baht payment to each person is necessary to help people get started, along with debt reduction and income increase initiatives, including agricultural income and opportunities for citizens.
Addressing allegations of controlling the PM and Pheu Thai Party, the former PM said, “I have no right to control my child because I respect her too much. Let her control me instead. She asks me to do this and that.”
Regarding education, he shared that PM Paetongtarn asked how to improve education for people. He advised changing Thai people’s attitudes about focusing solely on certificates, noting that in Bangkok, some people keep studying without getting smarter, as the world has changed and education alone is not enough.
“Today, we’re trying to attract investors to create jobs and increase income, but most importantly, we need to distribute prosperity to the provinces. While driving here, I saw many new shops, but it’s quiet because people lack purchasing power,” he said.
On drug issues, Thaksin declared “Thaksin is back” and expressed strong hatred for drug dealers. He connected this issue to police position buying, which he considers a terrible development during his 17-year absence from Thailand.
“PM Paetongtarn has said there will be no more money involved in police transfers, making drug control easier. She plans to work with Deputy PM Anutin Charnvirakul to address drug issues, and asks people not to become desensitized to this problem,” he added.
He concluded by praising his daughter, saying she will be a better PM than him due to her younger age. He asked for time to see changes and noted good unity among coalition parties.
After leaving the stage, when asked about the biggest political change in the past 17 years, Thaksin responded that things had deteriorated, saying politics needs to be stronger to solve national problems.
Regarding questions about his stay on the 14th floor of the Police Hospital, which has recently resurfaced, Thaksin merely nodded without answering whether he would appear before the parliamentary committee. He only said, “Don’t think about it, it’s over, it’s nothing.”
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