2025-01-12
A wedding can be more than a romantic event – it can also be a political arena where future alliances are formed. When Thaksin Shinawatra, the former Prime Minister, and Limjaroenrat asks, the leader of the opposition Move Forward Party (MFP), recently attended the same wedding, it immediately sparked speculation about possible political changes in Thailand.
The wedding in question belonged to a Member of Parliament, and it was one of the few occasions there Thaksin and Pita were seen in public at the same event. Pictures from the ceremony show the two leaders in the same company, which has led to questions about what this could mean for Thailand's political future.
Thaksin's return and his future plans
Thaksin Shinawatra returned to Thailand in August 2023 after 15 years in exile, where he was accused and convicted of corruption-related crimes. Many political analysts see his return as a carefully planned strategy to regain influence in Thai politics - even though he officially holds no government post.
His daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, leads the Pheu Thai Party (PTP), and the party now controls the government. Thaksin himself has been low-key in his public statements, but it is clear that his presence has great influence on government decisions and strategies.
One of the biggest questions right now is how much influence Thaksin actually has within the government and whether he plans to push for a stronger alliance with other parties - or if he is simply trying to consolidate power within Pheu Thai.
The future of Pita and the role of the opposition
Pita Limjaroenrat and his party Move Forward Party (MFP) have since the 2023 election become the main opposition in Thailand. Pita was denied the prime ministership despite the MFP winning the most seats in the election, which has made the party's relationship with Pheu Thai and the current government very complex.
MFP and Pheu Thai were previously allies in the opposition, but after the election instead, Pheu Thai ended up in a government coalition with the military and conservative forces, which led to disappointment among MFP voters. Since then, the relationship between the parties has been uncertain.
The big question mark is whether Pita and Thaksin can now find common interests - and if so, what that would mean for future elections and distribution of power in Thailand.
Speculation: Could a new alliance be formed?
There are several possible scenarios that could explain why Thaksin and Pita were at the same wedding:
- Coincidence without political significance:
– It was a private event, and that doesn't necessarily mean they have plans to collaborate. - A first opening for future collaboration:
- If Pheu Thai wants to distance itself from conservative and military forces before future elections, it can an approach to Move Forward be a strategy. - One way to measure public opinion:
- By allowing themselves to be seen together, both Thaksin and Pita can test the reactions of their voters without having to make any public statements. - Internal division within the government:
- If there are conflicts within the current coalition, it could mean that Pheu Thai is considering other political partnerships in the future.
It's too early to say whether this actually signals a new alliance, but the political landscape in Thailand is constantly changing, and all symbolic encounters raise questions.
What happens next?
Thailand's political future is uncertain, especially with speculation about a government reshuffle in March or April 2025. If Pheu Thai and Move Forward approach each other again, it can change the political balance ahead of upcoming elections.
It remains to be seen if this was one simple social gathering – or the beginning of one major change in Thai politics.
Text: The editorial staff
Image license: pexels, Pixabay, original image