Acting Prime Minister of Thailand Phumtham Wechayachai has just denied the information that former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is about to meet with Mr. Thanathorn Juangettelruangkit, leader of the Progressive Movement and a figure behind the People's Party. However, the reality shows that unofficial meetings between the two sides have occurred, sparking speculation about a new alliance led by Pheu Thai, according to the Bangkok Post.
Mr. Phumtham affirmed that he had not known about this, but admitted that Pheu Thai was actively negotiating with the People's Party to seek support in forming a government. Thai media said that the People's Party currently holds the largest position in the National Assembly, and is also a decisive "piece" for the alliance efforts of both the Pheu Thai Party and the Bhumjaithai Party.
Meanwhile, Thanathorn confirmed that he had received a call from Mr. Thaksin on August 28 and met in person on the morning of August 30. Here, Mr. Thaksin raised the issue of whether the People's Party will vote in support of Pheu Thai's Prime Minister candidate Chaikasem Nitisiri. Mr. Thanathorn emphasized that the conditions of the People's Party must be approved, and suggested that Mr. Thaksin should work directly with the party leader, Mr. Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut.
This is not the first time Mr. Thaksin and Mr. Thanathorn have sat down. After the May 2023 general election, the two met in Hong Kong (China) to discuss an alliance, but the agreement quickly broke up. Notably, Thanathorn's uncle, Suriya Jungringruangkit, has been a longtime close ally of Mr. Thaksin and served as Secretary of Transport in the government of Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Mr. Thaksin's daughter.
The move comes just a day after the Thai Constitutional Court deposed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, forcing the cabinet to convene a special meeting to appoint Mr Phumtham as acting prime minister with full executive power.
Inside Pheu Thai, Party Secretary General and Minister of Tourism and Sports Sorawong Thienthong admitted to having unofficial contacts with the People's Party. He said that the party is ready to consider three proposals made by partners, including a key requirement to start the process of drafting a new constitution. However, Mr. Sorawong emphasized that Pheu Thai does not want to make empty commitments if he is not able to fulfill them.
While negotiations continue to go quietly in Bangkok, Thai public opinion is increasingly paying attention to Mr. Thaksin's role as the "arranger". Although he is no longer in official position, he is still considered the most influential figure in Pheu Thai and has the ability to turn the political situation around.
Observers believe that if the Pheu Thai - People's Party agreement is successful, it will open up the prospect of a new government within the next few months. However, fierce competition from Bhumjaithai and skepticism about the promised process of changing the constitution have caused the power game in Thailand to continue to have many unpredictable aspects.
