Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra urged coalition parties to collaborate closely to ensure the government completes its full term.
He made these remarks on Tuesday while visiting Chiang Mai to support Pichai Lertpongadisorn, a Pheu Thai candidate contesting for the chairmanship of the provincial administrative organization (PAO). The PAO election is scheduled for February 1 next year.
When questioned about the political landscape for the upcoming year, Thaksin stated, “There will be nothing much. Politics will remain the same.
Coalition parties will remain unchanged. Differences of opinion are normal, but we must stick together until the end of the term in office, regardless.”
Thaksin is considered the unofficial head of Pheu Thai, a party currently led by his daughter, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
He reassured that the Pheu Thai-led government would serve out its term until May 2027. Regarding a potential cabinet reshuffle, Thaksin mentioned that the decision rests with the prime minister. He also minimized concerns about possible street protests.
Former yellow-shirt protest leader Sondhi Limthongkul has warned of protests unless the government abolishes the 2001 memorandum of understanding on maritime claims in the Gulf of Thailand.
In 2005, Sondhi used his ASTV satellite channel to start a public campaign against Thaksin and later led the yellow-shirt People’s Alliance for Democracy movement.
This movement orchestrated massive protests against Thaksin’s government in 2006. On September 19, 2006, then-army chief Gen Sonthi Boonyaratglin led a coup that ousted Thaksin.
While addressing a crowd at a market in the San Pa Tong district of Chiang Mai, Thaksin criticized his detractors, whom he referred to as “the regulars.”
“Some media outlets present overblown stories. They often interview these regulars to give them a chance to criticize me, thereby generating news. Sometimes, I hit back at them.”
“As I grow older, I feel calmer. But if they continue to be harsh to me, I will respond in kind. Don’t mess with me. They are such a nuisance,” Thaksin said.
During his campaign in the region, Thaksin outlined government initiatives to address issues such as household debt, drug trafficking, and call center frauds.
He highlighted plans to tackle unregulated businesses and combat the PM2.5 pollution problem, especially in Chiang Mai.
He also promoted a government housing scheme offering affordable homes on 99-year leases, with monthly payments starting at 4,000 baht, making homeownership more accessible.
“Next year, everyone will be happy. I assure you that all problems will be solved. But I need moral support. I hope that Chiang Mai residents will give me moral support by voting for Kong (the nickname of the PAO candidate).”
“The PAO victory will signal that Pheu Thai MPs will reclaim House seats in 10 constituencies in Chiang Mai in the next election,” Thaksin said.
“Anyone who voted for the Move Forward Party (reborn as the People’s Party) is urged to vote for Pheu Thai in the next election to return the seats to Thaksin. The country will then progress quickly, just as it did when I was prime minister,” he added.
