Thaksin skips rumoured meeting with Newin amid political tensions
Political drama unfolded at the Pullman King Power Hotel on Rangnam Road as former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra failed to appear for a highly anticipated meeting with Newin Chidchob, the influential figure of the Bhumjaithai Party yesterday, February 24. Despite rumours of a secret dinner to resolve political rifts between Pheu Thai and Bhumjaithai, Thaksin was a no-show, leaving reporters waiting in vain.
Journalists from multiple outlets gathered at the hotel from the early afternoon, eager to capture the political power play. By 7pm, however, there was no sign of of the former PM. Speculation ran high as sources hinted at a discussion over tensions linked to the 2024 Senate election, which has reportedly caused friction between the coalition parties.
Adding to the intrigue, Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Interior, and leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, denied any knowledge of the meeting, stating he was in Chiang Rai on official duties starting at 3.30pm.
This did little to quiet the rumour mill, especially since Newin was spotted at the hotel earlier in the afternoon, accompanied by party executives and Bhumjaithai members. Sources from within the party explained that Newin often stays at the hotel when in Bangkok and frequently dines with party members there on Mondays.
In a twist that fuelled further speculation, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thaksin’s daughter and leader of the Pheu Thai Party, appeared surprised when asked if she would join the meeting during an interview with the National Broadcasting Services of Thailand (NBT).
“I’m not going. I’m going home to see my son, Thasin.”
When pressed on whether Thaksin would attend, she hesitated before replying, “I don’t think he will go.”
PM Paetongtarn also seemed out of the loop when questioned about the reports.
“I don’t know what the news said. I haven’t had time today, I haven’t read the news yet.”
Political insiders suggest the mounting tension between Pheu Thai and Bhumjaithai stems from allegations of collusion in the 2024 Senate election.
The Department of Special Investigation’s Board of Special Cases, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Phumtham Wechayachai, is set to decide today, February 25, whether to investigate the claims as a special case, reported The Nation.
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