Recent exchanges between former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and Palang Pracharath Party leader Gen Prawit Wongsuwon have reignited discussions about the latter’s identity as either a career soldier or a politician.
Gen Prawit recently alleged victimization due to ongoing attacks on his party, which he implied were directed by the ruling Pheu Thai Party. Speaking at the Palang Pracharath Party’s annual seminar in Prachuap Khiri Khan, he criticized the current political climate, labeling it as one marked by morally deficient politics and infighting.
The general expressed concern that today’s political environment strays far from the ideals of being people-centric and highlighted that the PPRP, previously the ruling party under Prayut Chan-o-cha, has faced significant opposition since being excluded from Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s coalition in September 2022.
Analysts noted that the PPRP’s ousting reflects its diminished status within the supposed “super deal,” believed to unite Pheu Thai with the conservative factions including Bhumjaithai and the United Thai Nation (UTN).
This “super deal,” seen as a crucial factor in the successful formation of the Pheu Thai-led government under Srettha Thavisin after the May 2023 elections, involved unexpected compromises between parties with starkly differing ideologies.
As a result, the PPRP was sidelined, with Pheu Thai eventually opting for the Democrat Party as a coalition partner, which some observers interpreted as a sign of the PPRP’s vulnerability as the weakest link among conservative parties.
Thaksin, who holds considerable sway over Pheu Thai, also expressed discord with Gen Prawit. It is believed that Thaksin played a role in excluding the PPRP from the new coalition, and he has accused Gen Prawit of previously orchestrating efforts that led to the removal of Srettha from his position due to political maneuvers involving former senators.
Politically motivated tensions were also evident when Pheu Thai MPs reportedly expressed frustration over Gen Prawit’s absence during critical votes, raising questions about his influence and reliability within the conservative camp.
Gen Prawit has attempted to distance himself from the legacy of the 2014 coup that removed Pheu Thai from power, positioning the PPRP as a more moderate conservative party. However, this strategy seems to backfire as narrowing support threatens to isolate the party.
In a pointed critique, Thaksin condemned Gen Prawit as a key figure behind the political turmoil stemming from the 2014 coup, asserting that it contributed significantly to the turmoil in Thai politics over the years.
Election Outcomes Signal Shifts in Political Landscape
The Pheu Thai Party may have technically succeeded in the recent Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) chief elections, but analysts suggest the results indicate a notable shift in political dynamics.
In the elections held on February 1 across 47 provinces, Pheu Thai secured victory in 10—a narrow win in its traditional heartland of Chiang Mai, while facing setbacks in neighboring Chiang Rai, indicating growing competition.
Other parties, particularly Bhumjaithai, made impressive gains, capturing 14 PAO chief positions in numerous provinces. The United Thai Nation (UTN) and Democrat Party also performed well in several key areas.
Overall, Bhumjaithai’s rise challenges Pheu Thai’s dominance, with experts suggesting that Thaksin’s political influence may be waning. Election outcomes reflect a harder battle ahead for Pheu Thai in the next general elections, necessitating a reevaluation of their strategies to maintain voter support.
The analysis also pointed to the poor performance of the opposition People’s Party, which managed only a single victory despite extensive campaigning, raising questions about its leadership capabilities moving forward.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, the future strategies of these parties will be crucial in shaping the outcome of upcoming elections.
