On the evening of July 22, the Pheu Thai Party held a solemn party for National Assembly members of the ruling coalition, attracting the participation of many lawmakers and key figures in the party.
Among the most closely watched guests is former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, father of Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who is suspended from his position as Thai Prime Minister following a leaked phone call with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen.
Mr. Thaksin attended the dinner as an official guest of the Pheu Thai Party. According to The Nation, Thaksin's appearance is seen as a testament to the strength and solidarity between the alliance partners.
In an important speech at the party, Mr. Thaksin recounted his early days in contact with politics. He said that 51 years ago, at the age of 25, he had no political experience but was given the opportunity to support Prida Patanathabutr, then-Prime Minister under Kukrit Pramoj.
Mr. Thaksin commented that the political atmosphere of Thailand today is very similar to that time - no ruling party dominated. The stability of the government depends on a multi-party coalition, which affects the legislative process. Although the current coalition accounts for the majority, he stressed that the real strength lies in solidarity.
"If we unite to solve the country's problems - even in the midst of unwanted political moves - we can still overcome them," he said.
Former Prime Minister Thaksin said he had told his daughter, Ms. Paetongtarn, that solidarity cannot be just temporary: "If no one leaves each other now, then let's not leave each other in the future."
Learning from the past, he added: What I saw 11 years ago - today is much better. I believe we can maintain this government. I believe in the theory of reversal. Like a tennis hit, sometimes you have to back down to hit harder. Once we overcome the current difficulties, the government will be stronger than ever - because we are united, and no one is left behind.
The solidarity shown by Mr. Thaksin and the Pheu Thai Party signals an urgent effort to strengthen control, as Ms. Paetongtarn's position as Thai Prime Minister currently depends heavily on the support of the alliance. If she can get past the upcoming ruling of the Constitutional Court regarding her phone call with Hun Sen, she will need the full support of lawmakers in the coalition - especially in the legislative field.
Even in the worst case scenario - if the court's decision leads to Ms. Paetongtarn being dismissed - the Pheu Thai Party is ready to continue moving forward with the intact alliance by nominating a third prime minister candidate, Chaikasem Niriitis, to succeed her.
