Thailand’s Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, engaged in a significant meeting with former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, marking their first interaction since Thaksin's recent release from detention. The meeting, which took place during a lunch at the Shinawatra family's residence in Bangkok, focused on Thaksin's health and well-being, according to statements made by Srettha to reporters after the event. Speculation has been mounting regarding Thaksin's potential influence within the government and his role in shaping Thai politics.
The rumors swirling around suggest a potential power struggle between Srettha and the more influential figure of Thaksin, who is viewed as the de facto leader of the ruling Pheu Thai Party. The party, previously led by Thaksin's sister, Yingluck Shinawatra, before the 2014 coup, is currently helmed by Thaksin's daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Notably, several ministers in Srettha's cabinet have remained loyal to Thaksin, adding to the intrigue surrounding his possible sway behind the scenes.
Despite these speculations, Srettha emphasized that his discussion with Thaksin did not involve criticisms of his leadership but rather focused on offering moral support. In a previous public statement, Srettha urged the Thai populace to maintain their belief in his position as the sole prime minister of Thailand, indicating a desire to quell any potential doubts about his authority. Regarding Thaksin's future role in the government, Srettha highlighted that the primary concern during this meeting was Thaksin's health and overall well-being.
Thaksin's return to Thailand after a 15-year self-imposed exile has been met with legal challenges, including an eight-year sentence for corruption charges which was later commuted to one year by King Maha Vajiralongkorn. Despite his tumultuous past, Thaksin only spent half a year in detention before being granted parole. Having served as Thailand's prime minister for two consecutive terms from 2001 to 2006 before being ousted in a coup, Thaksin's political legacy continues to shape the country's landscape.
In a show of regional support, former Cambodian leader Hun Sen paid a visit to Thaksin at his residence on Wednesday, highlighting the enduring connections and influence that Thaksin maintains both domestically and across borders. As Thaksin navigates his post-detention life and potentially reconsiders his role in Thai politics, the meeting with Srettha serves as a critical moment in assessing the evolving power dynamics and alliances within the country's political sphere.