Skip to content
All about politics. — Politics — General-news

"Thaksin's political trio challenges government power"

Intense political drama looms this week as three significant events, all tied to ex-prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, pose potential threats to the Pheu Thai-led coalition government, causing instability.

,   and  ASMedia
3 min read
Political tensions are set to rise this week, as three significant, high-stakes events, all...
Political tensions are set to rise this week, as three significant, high-stakes events, all connected to the former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, could potentially destabilize the Pheu Thai-led coalition government.

"Thaksin's political trio challenges government power"

Get ready for a week filled with political drama! The Pheu Thai-led government is bracing itself for three major events that could shake its foundations, all connected to the infamous former prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra.

Here's the lowdown:

  1. June 12: A meeting of the Medical Council of Thailand (MCT) to debate the ministerial veto on its judgement regarding Thaksin's hospital treatment will take place. Three doctors were previously sanctioned for helping Thaksin evade prison time, but Public Health Minister Somsak, who is also the MCT's special president, vetoed the decision. The MCT requires a supermajority of 47 members to reaffirm the ruling, and tension is high among the medical community, as they struggle to resist political meddling.

If the MCT stands firm, it'll be a bold declaration of institutional independence, dealing a symbolic blow to Thaksin's network. But if they cave, it could undermine public trust and damage the profession's moral fiber, potentially granting Thaksin a pass on further legal scrutiny.

  1. June 13: The Supreme Court will begin investigating the Department of Corrections' decision to allow Thaksin to serve his sentence at the Police General Hospital instead of prison. The hearing will address allegations of unlawful actions and privilege extension to Thaksin, stirring concerns about double standards in the justice system and doubts about Thaksin's true illness. Whether Thaksin shows up or sends legal representation will significantly affect public perception.
  2. June 14: A joint meeting between Thailand and Cambodia to address the escalating border dispute. Tensions are high due to repeated Cambodian incursions, phased border closures by the Thai military, and accusations of political softness. The civilian response has been criticized, raising questions about Thaksin's influence on Cambodian former prime minister Hun Sen. The lack of discussion on four disputed zones adds to the complexity, with Cambodia pushing for the International Court of Justice while Thailand rejects its jurisdiction.

These events promise high stakes and turbulence for the Pheu Thai-led government, testing its stability and the independence of Thailand's key institutions. Stay tuned, folks, this week's gonna be a wild ride!

Prison Privilege Under Scrutiny

On June 13, the Supreme Court delves into the Department of Corrections' decision to grant Thaksin special hospital treatment. Key agencies, such as the Bangkok Remand Prison, the Department of Corrections, and the Police General Hospital, will face questions about their actions and any potential privileges extended to Thaksin.

The court is expected to weigh in on concerns over inconsistencies in the justice system, question the validity of Thaksin's illness claims, and investigate who authorized his prolonged hospital stay. Whether Thaksin chooses to attend the hearing or send legal representation will heavily impact public opinion on his accountability.

Border Tensions and Diplomatic Clashes

The June 14 meeting between Thailand and Cambodia will be fraught with tension, as diplomatic relations strain under rising nationalism and historical grievances. Allegations of political softness persist, stemming from perceived long-standing ties between Thaksin and Cambodian former prime minister Hun Sen.

Though the government has recently taken a harder stance, with Ms. Paetongtarn granting the military complete discretion, questions remain. Cambodia's refusal to discuss contentious border sites adds to the complexity, with Cambodia pushing for the International Court of Justice while Thailand rejects its jurisdiction. A failed JBC meeting would intensify pressure on the Pheu Thai government to take decisive action, potentially destabilizing its domestic legitimacy and foreign policy leverage.

  1. The general-news discussion on June 13 will center around the Supreme Court's scrutiny of Thaksin's prison privileges, focusing on the actions of key agencies and potential discrepancies in the justice system.
  2. Diplomatic tensions between Thailand and Cambodia are expected to escalate during the June 14 meeting, with discussions on contentious border sites and the International Court of Justice putting the Pheu Thai-led government's domestic legitimacy and foreign policy leverage to the test.

Read also:

Related

Latest