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Bangkok Post
3 days ago
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
Thaksin 'secret deal' with Cambodia suspected
Political activist Jatuporn Prompan has raised suspicions regarding former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's recent political activities, questioning whether a secret deal may be behind a series of events that all occurred on the same day. Speaking during his Facebook Live programme "Thailand Must Come First", Jatuporn, a former red-shirt leader, pointed to the sudden withdrawal of the Entertainment Complex Bill, which would legalise casinos, Thaksin's speech promoting soft power at an Otop event at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, and his comments on the current political deadlock at a Nation Group-hosted forum. Jatuporn said that as all this unfolded on the same day, it was unlikely to be a coincidence. He highlighted the promotion of the soft power initiative, which could be seen as a boost for Thaksin's daughter, suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, in her new capacity as culture minister; and Thaksin's dramatic declaration of severing ties with Cambodian strongman Hun Sen after more than 30 years, citing the damage done to Ms Paetongtarn in the wake of their leaked telephone call. Jatuporn suggested the synchronisation of these events appeared too calculated to be coincidental, speculating that they might have been orchestrated as part of a broader political performance. "If this is political theatre, it is being performed with great finesse," he said. "Thai people should not yet be deceived by these illusions," he said. Jatuporn warned that if Hun Sen remains silent in response to Thaksin's remarks, this silence could imply a clandestine agreement involving the withdrawal of the casino bill in exchange for political quietude. He called for close observation of Hun Sen's reaction, saying: "If Hun Sen remains completely silent, it raises suspicions of a deal. But if he hits back, it would indicate that no such exchange took place." Jatuporn also criticised the explanation given for the bill's withdrawal, which attributed the move to the appointment of a new cabinet and insufficient public understanding -- a justification he called unconvincing. Commenting on the leaked audio clip between Ms Paetongtarn and Hun Sen, Jatuporn noted inconsistencies between Thaksin's account and earlier statements. While Thaksin claimed the Cambodian side had initiated the call, others believed Khleang Huot, Hun Sen's close aide and interpreter, was in Cambodia, though Thaksin said he was in Bangkok. "If this is not just a political illusion," he added, "then Hun Sen must retaliate by revealing the names of seven Thai politicians with financial interests in Cambodia, including audio clips, one per day if necessary. But if nothing happens, the casino deal theory gains weight." On Wednesday, Thaksin delivered a keynote address at a forum hosted by media outlets under the Nation Group. When asked if he still regarded Hun Sen, president of the Cambodian Senate, as a "brother", Thaksin replied: "We used to be. But after what he did to my daughter, I was in absolute shock." Thaksin said his daughter was waiting for a call from Hun Sen for three hours at a hotel with some key government figures, but he did not call her. "He later called her private mobile. I started to wonder -- was he really asleep, or was he preparing to record the conversation?"
Bangkok Post
3 days ago
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
Thaksin 'secret deal' suspected
Political activist Jatuporn Prompan has raised suspicions regarding former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's recent political activities, questioning whether a secret deal may be behind a series of events that all occurred on the same day. Speaking during his Facebook Live programme "Thailand Must Come First", Jatuporn, a former red-shirt leader, pointed to the sudden withdrawal of the Entertainment Complex Bill, which would legalise casinos, Thaksin's speech promoting soft power at an Otop event at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, and his comments on the current political deadlock at a Nation Group-hosted forum. Jatuporn said that as all this unfolded on the same day, it was unlikely to be a coincidence. He highlighted the promotion of the soft power initiative, which could be seen as a boost for Thaksin's daughter, suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, in her new capacity as culture minister; and Thaksin's dramatic declaration of severing ties with Cambodian strongman Hun Sen after more than 30 years, citing the damage done to Ms Paetongtarn in the wake of their leaked telephone call. Jatuporn suggested the synchronisation of these events appeared too calculated to be coincidental, speculating that they might have been orchestrated as part of a broader political performance. "If this is political theatre, it is being performed with great finesse," he said. "Thai people should not yet be deceived by these illusions," he said. Jatuporn warned that if Hun Sen remains silent in response to Thaksin's remarks, this silence could imply a clandestine agreement involving the withdrawal of the casino bill in exchange for political quietude. He called for close observation of Hun Sen's reaction, saying: "If Hun Sen remains completely silent, it raises suspicions of a deal. But if he hits back, it would indicate that no such exchange took place." Jatuporn also criticised the explanation given for the bill's withdrawal, which attributed the move to the appointment of a new cabinet and insufficient public understanding -- a justification he called unconvincing. Commenting on the leaked audio clip between Ms Paetongtarn and Hun Sen, Jatuporn noted inconsistencies between Thaksin's account and earlier statements. While Thaksin claimed the Cambodian side had initiated the call, others believed Khleang Huot, Hun Sen's close aide and interpreter, was in Cambodia, though Thaksin said he was in Bangkok. "If this is not just a political illusion," he added, "then Hun Sen must retaliate by revealing the names of seven Thai politicians with financial interests in Cambodia, including audio clips, one per day if necessary. But if nothing happens, the casino deal theory gains weight." On Wednesday, Thaksin delivered a keynote address at a forum hosted by media outlets under the Nation Group. When asked if he still regarded Hun Sen, president of the Cambodian Senate, as a "brother", Thaksin replied: "We used to be. But after what he did to my daughter, I was in absolute shock." Thaksin said his daughter was waiting for a call from Hun Sen for three hours at a hotel with some key government figures, but he did not call her. "He later called her private mobile. I started to wonder -- was he really asleep, or was he preparing to record the conversation?"
Bangkok Post
5 days ago
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
Coalition in crisis
Amnesty bills are now taking precedence over the more controversial Entertainment Complex Bill as the administration walks a political tightrope, with critics wondering if the move is a sincere attempt to reconcile a fragmenting coalition or rather a strategic manoeuvre by an embattled government. As the House of Representatives held its first day of debate after it reconvened on July 3, the government has postponed the Entertainment Complex Bill -- which would legalise casinos within certain parameters -- in favour of advancing four amnesty-related draft bills. This has sparked widespread speculation about political motives, coalition dynamics, and the real intent behind the move. Strategic Retreat The decision to delay deliberation of the Entertainment Complex Bill stems from fears that the government, now sitting on a thin majority, lacks sufficient parliamentary support to pass the legislation. With the Bhumjaithai Party (BJT) having recently joined the opposition, the coalition has lost at least 69 crucial votes. The Democrat Party, which has 25 seats, and the Prachachat Party (nine seats), which opposes the bill on religious grounds, have also indicated some resistance. Meanwhile, the position of the United Thai Nation (UTN) Party, which has 36 seats, remains uncertain due to an ongoing internal rift. Faced with this fragility, the government chose to avoid risking an early defeat by shelving the bill for now. Amnesty Bills Steal the Spotlight Instead, the House will begin discussions on four amnesty bills: a people's amnesty bill (proposed by civil society), a general amnesty bill (proposed by the main opposition People's Party, or PP), a peace-building bill (put forth by the Thai Teachers for the People Party), and a peace-building bill (sponsored by the UTN Party). A fifth bill from BJT has also been added. These bills differ in scope and detail -- especially concerning the inclusion or exclusion of cases under Section 112 of the Criminal Code, better known as the lèse majesté law. Section 112 remains a contentious issue, which is expected to be a key factor in whether each bill passes the initial approval stage in parliament. Pheu Thai 'Seeks Closure' Wisut Chainarun, a Pheu Thai Party MP and chief government whip, said the push for amnesty was a genuine attempt to reconcile political divisions that have persisted for over two decades. He highlighted the disproportionate suffering of grassroots political activists -- particularly red-shirt supporters -- many of whom remain incarcerated for their involvement in past mass protests. Mr Wisut argued for compassion and closure, not for powerful figures, but for "the small people" who deserve a second chance. While confident that at least two bills -- those not involving Section 112 -- will pass the first reading, Mr Wisut admitted the differing opinions across parties, especially around Section 112, could complicate progress. Still, he insisted the initiative was not a popularity ploy. "This is not about scoring points... It's about peace," he said. Opposition: Sincere Reconciliation? Natthawut Buaprathum, a list-MP of the PP, questioned the government's motives, suggesting the shift to amnesty bills was more about political convenience than genuine reform. He warned against using amnesty as a political bargaining chip and called for all four original bills to be accepted for further consideration in the second and third readings. He further noted that if reconciliation is truly the goal, then no bill -- regardless of its sponsor -- should be preemptively dismissed. The refusal to even consider bills covering Section 112, he said, contradicts the spirit of inclusive political healing. Mr Natthawut also warned that, amid speculation suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra may lose her case at the Constitutional Court regarding the leaked audio clip of her conversation with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen leading to a dissolution of parliament, the future of the amnesty legislation remains uncertain. "This shouldn't be about delaying or defusing censure. It should be about real change," he said. He was referring a no-confidence motion BJT plans to file against the government. A parliament vote set for Wednesday to adopt any, if not all, of the amnesty bills for debate may be a key factor in the PP deciding to join the no-confidence campaign since it advocates in favour of amnesties for those who violate the lèse majesté law. Political Trap or Just a Distraction? Political activist and former red-shirt leader Jatuporn Prompan sees the amnesty bills leap-frogging the Entertainment Complex Bill as a "political trap" designed to create divisions among the opposition -- particularly between the PP and the BJT -- just as the two appeared ready to file a joint no-confidence motion. Mr Jatuporn characterised the move as "a shallow trick" to sow confusion, distract from internal tensions, and pave the way for the later passage of the Entertainment Complex Bill under a different name. He also cast doubt on the sincerity of the reconciliation effort, stating that Pheu Thai lacks the moral authority of past leadership. He accused the government of resorting to "day-by-day survival politics". Academics Warn of Political Chess, Not Reform Olarn Thinbangtieo, deputy dean of Burapha University's Faculty of Political Science and Law, echoed similar concerns. He described the amnesty push as a tactical plot by Pheu Thai to discourage the PP from moving forward with a no-confidence motion. Since the PP demands that any amnesty bill should include violations of Section 112, which the BJT opposes, Mr Olarn said the government is banking on sowing bad blood and hoping that internal disagreements derail the opposition's motion. Without the PP's support, the BJT lacks sufficient votes to push the motion through. Moreover, Mr Olarn argued that the Entertainment Complex Bill would have sparked fierce protests if it were introduced now. Instead, the amnesty issue offers a softer political landing, at least temporarily. "They're trying to kill multiple birds with one stone," he said, referring to Pheu Thai. "But that won't win back public trust." A political source said the government's choice to prioritise amnesty legislation reveals both a political opportunity and a vulnerability. With razor-thin parliamentary margins and mounting internal challenges, the coalition is attempting to stabilise its position by addressing long-standing political wounds. Yet the inclusion, or exclusion, of Section 112 remains a litmus test for the sincerity and reach of reconciliation. Whether such a shift will unify or further fracture parliament and the public remains uncertain, according to the source.
Bangkok Post
6 days ago
- Business
- Bangkok Post
Bhumjaithai challenges Pheu Thai to dump casino plan for good
The Bhumjaithai Party has accused the governing Pheu Thai Party of lacking sincerity following its decision to remove a bill to promote casinos from parliament. Bhumjaithai spokeswoman Boonthida Somchai called the move to withdraw the bill a political tactic to avoid a defeat in the House of Representatives, which would force the government to dissolve parliament or resign. 'We disagreed with the withdrawal. If Pheu Thai wants she said. The Ubon Ratchathani MP made the statement after the end of a party meeting an which members reaffirmed their intention to kill the bill. The 69-MP Bhumjaithai Party is now part of the opposition after a falling-out over cabinet positions led it to exit the coalition. Pheu Thai on Monday confirmed on the withdrawal of the Entertainment Complex Bill, which was scheduled to be introduced on Wednesday. It claimed more understanding was needed for public support of the highly contentious draft. The withdrawal had been anticipated after Bhumjaithai moved to the opposition benches, leaving the coalition government with a slim majority in the House of Representatives. The administration now controls 261 seats against 234 by the opposition, making passage of the bill risky. The cabinet on Tuesday approved the withdrawal. 'The draft bill in question involves issues that require time for public understanding,' government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub said after the cabinet meeting. 'It is therefore appropriate to withdraw this draft bill from parliament's deliberation,' he said without indicating when it might be reconsidered. The crux of the bill is the establishment of casino venues inside integrated entertainment complexes to promote tourism and woo gamblers to the country. Ms Boonthida said Bhumjaithai was confident some government MPs would vote against the bill had it been put for vote in parliament. Pheu Thai initially hoped to attract at least 100 billion baht in new investment in casinos and entertainment complexes, and expected foreign tourist arrivals to rise by up to 10%. However, the plan has faced more opposition than its promoters anticipated, with a January opinion poll showing a majority of the public disapproving of the idea. Some political parties and other prominent figures have also argued that building a gambling industry would worsen social problems.
Bangkok Post
6 days ago
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
Gambling push put on hold
The chief government whip has confirmed the highly controversial Entertainment Complex Bill will be withdrawn from parliament tomorrow, so an amnesty bill can proceed. Wisut Chainarun, a Pheu Thai Party MP and chief government whip, said yesterday that the government will officially remove the bill from parliamentary consideration tomorrow. "The bill will definitely be withdrawn on July 9. There is no need for anyone to protest or rally over this matter. Please go home and relax. Discussions have already been held within the party, and I reiterate that the withdrawal is not being made out of fear," Mr Wisut said. He explained that the reason for the withdrawal stems from the need for better public understanding and to allow time for the current wave of intense debate on the issue to subside. "We previously urged everyone to ensure the public fully understood the bill. "Now that the discussion has reached its peak, we believe it is appropriate to withdraw the bill for the time being. There is no loss of face [on Pheu Thai's part]. If anyone still has concerns, the government remains open to listening," he said. When asked whether the bill might be reintroduced in the future, Mr Wisut said that it was too early to say. He cited the example of the Peaceful Society Promotion Bill concerning an amnesty, which faced significant criticism when it was proposed several years ago. "Back then, the amnesty bill was heavily attacked, yet today no one seems to object," he noted. Mr Wisut confirmed that once the Entertainment Complex Bill is officially pulled, four political amnesty bills, including those proposed by coalition parties, will go up for debate instead on July 9, with Pheu Thai hoping the final version of the bill will foster national reconciliation. The bills will definitely be brought forward for parliamentary deliberation, he added. The Pheu Thai Party has drafted its own amnesty bill so political offenders can be pardoned, although it reiterated earlier that the legislation will not include amnesty for those found guilty under Section 112 of the Criminal Code, also known as the lese majeste law. As to the charter amendment plan, Mr Wisut explained that Pheu Thai would wait to read it before deciding whether to go full steam ahead. "If the proposal involves Chapters 1 or 2, we will not support it. We seek to amend the constitution, but we will not touch Chapters 1 and 2," he said. Chapter 1 contains sections that define Thailand as a single, indivisible kingdom with a democratic regime and establish the King as the head of state. Chapter 2, meanwhile, outlines royal prerogatives.
