BANGKOK — Former Yellow Shirt leader Sondhi Limthongkul made his first political appearance under Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s administration on Monday, marking a significant return to the political stage.
Sondhi, who previously led protests against Thaksin Shinawatra in the name of the People’s Alliance for Democracy or PAD that culminated in the 2006 military coup, submitted a petition demanding the government revoke the 2001 Thailand-Cambodia MOU (MOU44) signed during Thaksin’s administration.
The petition, presented with academic Panthep Puapongpan, calls for Prime Minister Paetongtarn to submit MOU44 for constitutional review and suspend related technical committee appointments. Sondhi gave the government a 15-day ultimatum, threatening to petition parliament next and warning that lawmakers supporting MOU44 could face future imprisonment for “selling out the country.”
“History will repeat,” declared Sondhi, who led the 2005 protests that preceded the 2006 coup against Thaksin Shinawatra. His role expanded during the 2008-2009 crisis, when he led the PAD in occupying government buildings and Bangkok’s airports.
But today’s political climate differs markedly from those turbulent years. Social media enables fact-checking that counters nationalist rhetoric, while democratic processes require parliamentary oversight of international agreements. These shifts make it harder for the Yellow Shirts to extend their influence beyond their traditional base.
Former Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama defended MOU44, stating that nearly every subsequent government has utilized it in Cambodia negotiations. He warned that revoking it would hinder maritime border discussions and wouldn’t resolve the 26,000-square-kilometer overlapping claims area.
Government whip leader Wisut Chainarun said that since 2001, no negotiations have taken place. He emphasized that any agreement must be approved by parliament – deals cannot be made outside parliamentary process. He added that street protests are unnecessary and have already caused enough trouble for both citizens and the country.
This political movement coincides with Pheu Thai Party’s proposal to amend defense laws to prevent military coups – a significant issue given Thailand’s history of 13 successful coups. Coalition partner Bhumjaithai Party hasn’t supported the initiative, with Deputy PM Anutin Charnvirakul suggesting that coups typically result from politicians’ actions rather than legal frameworks.
Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai emphasized that while the proposal reflects MPs’ rights, it isn’t Pheu Thai’s official stance. He stressed the importance of practical cooperation with the military over legislative changes.
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