From idol to outcast: Thaksin devotee switches allegiances

Once a die-hard fan of former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, a 60 year old Thai woman went as far as travelling from Thailand to the UAE just to see her political hero during his self-imposed exile.

Armed with gifts, letters, and a banner, Podjanin Towatrakool wept upon meeting Thaksin in 2009, hugging him and calling him “father.” She even covered her house walls with pictures of the billionaire and composed songs in his honour.

Fast forward to 2024, and Podjanin’s admiration has crumbled. Thaksin’s political comeback, via a contentious deal that saw his Pheu Thai Party ditch the election-winning now-defunct Move Forward Party (MFP) to join forces with conservative factions, was the breaking point.

“I am willing to meet Thaksin in private but I don’t want to be seen in public as a supporter.”

Podjanin declared her allegiance to the orange-clad Progressive People’s Party, a reincarnation of the MFP.

Podjanin is not alone. Many red-shirt supporters, once loyal to Thaksin, have turned their backs on him, disillusioned by his alliance with pro-military factions. Political scientist Titipol Phakdeewanich noted the shift.

“We cannot associate all red shirts with the Thaksin fan club. Now, a large number of them support the (former) MFP.”

This split between red-shirt factions is echoed by Tida Tawornseth, former chairperson of a red-shirt network.

“There are two kinds of red shirts now. The first are loyal to Thaksin. The second stick to their ideology.”

As Pheu Thai faces declining support, particularly in its northern heartland, the Progressive People’s Party is gathering steam, with many hoping for real change in Thailand’s deeply entrenched political system. But for some, like farmer Sonfan Patoompon, Thaksin remains a hero.

She scoffs at the younger generation’s calls for change, confident in her unwavering loyalty to Pheu Thai’s promises, reported The Nation.

In related news, in a scathing critique that’s sent shockwaves through Thailand’s political landscape, Watanya Bunnag, a high-profile member of the Democrat Party, condemned her party’s decision to align with the Pheu Thai-led coalition government.