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Asian AngleThaksin’s back, but Thailand’s anti-democratic forces are as strong as ever
- Pheu Thai has its PM in Srettha Thavisin, but the betrayal of Move Forward Party voters – and its own supporters – could cost it at the next election
- There’s little doubt Thaksin, once free, will be the key figure operating behind the scenes – which could lead to a tussle with Srettha for influence
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More than three months after Thailand’s national elections – and many anti-democratic manoeuvres in parliament – the country finally has a new prime minister, Srettha Thavisin. But given the chaotic nature of Thai politics, this was perhaps not even the biggest news of the week.
Hours before the partially military-appointed Thai parliament elected Srettha to the post, one of the country’s most prominent political figures, former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, returned from his self-imposed exile of more than 15 years and surrendered to authorities over long-standing corruption charges.
There are now many questions about what this blockbuster day for Thai politics means for the country’s future – and Thai democracy.
Thaksin became prime minister in 2001 after a thumping election win and remained the country’s most popular politician, even through his long years of exile.
Pheu Thai is the latest incarnation of various Thaksin-aligned parties, which have won the most seats in parliament in every competitive national election since 2001 – until this year, when it finished second to the reformist Move Forward party.
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