The “Thaksin Wave”: A Turning Point for pheu Thai and the Shinawatra Legacy
The political landscape in Thailand is once again dominated by the enigmatic figure of politics. His recent moves to personally address political challenges,rather than delegating to aides,have captured media attention but could have long-term consequences.
The first major test of this renewed “Thaksin wave” will be the upcoming provincial administrative Institution (PAO) elections. The yingluck shinawatra, remains in self-exile with a prison sentence looming over her. To ensure her safe return, Thaksin must secure a victory in 2027, giving him the leverage to negotiate with the conservative establishment.
The Shinawatras’ strategy is clear: retain power for as long as possible to ensure their political survival and prevent a backlash from the conservative faction. Interestingly, the conservative camp has allied with its former foes, Thaksin and Pheu Thai, to counter their common enemy—the progressive People’s Party, also known as the Orange faction.Given the conservative camp’s inability to win enough seats to form a government, Thaksin is confident they have no choice but to cooperate. His every move exudes confidence, with some describing it as arrogance. He boasts of his stability and strength, further convincing observers that he holds a “super deal” in hand.
This “self-sacrificing” strategy may well be the final battle for the Shinawatras. If they lose the election,their power will be severely shaken. Every effort must be made to retain power long enough to ensure the safety and survival of the Shinawatra clan.
Key Points at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|—————————|—————————————————————————–|
| PAO Elections | Pheu Thai targeting 13 PAO chief seats after securing 8 last year.|
| 2027 General Election | Crucial for Thaksin’s leverage and Yingluck’s potential return. |
| Conservative Alliance | former foes unite against the progressive People’s Party. |
| Thaksin’s Strategy | Retain power to ensure political survival and family safety. |
The coming months will be pivotal for Thaksin Shinawatra and Pheu Thai. Will the “Thaksin wave” regain its former strength, or will it fade into history? Only time will tell.