Red carpet rollout: Thaksin spotted at ex-redshirt’s new restaurant

In a surprising public appearance today, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra surfaced to congratulate an ex-redshirt leader on the grand opening of his second southern Thai cuisine restaurant in Bangkok.

The 74 year old ex PM was warmly welcomed at Yeam Tai on Chaiyaphruk Road by a cadre of influential political figures. Among them were Bhumjaithai Party leader and Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, as well as Agriculture Minister Thammanat Prompao, who doubles as the secretary-general of the Palang Pracharath Party.

The restaurant’s owner, Nattawut Saikua, has a storied political past. Once a hardline redshirt leader, he spearheaded protests against the Abhisit Vejjajiva government in 2009. He later served as Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Commerce in Yingluck Shinawatra’s administration from 2012 to 2014.

Thaksin’s reappearance comes after his release on parole in February, where he cited old age and severe illness as reasons. However, his recent travels to provinces like Chiang Mai, and Phuket, and an upcoming trip to Nakhon Ratchasima cast doubt on his health claims.

There’s widespread speculation that Thaksin is orchestrating political manoeuvres behind the scenes through the ruling Pheu Thai Party, currently led by his youngest daughter Paetongtarn, reported Thai PBS World.

Additionally, he has reportedly been involved in mediation efforts between warring factions in Myanmar.

ORIGINAL STORY: Secret talks with rebels: Ex-PM Thaksin’s shadow diplomacy

Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s clandestine discussions with Myanmar’s resistance groups have ignited a storm of controversy. As the international community watches with bated breath, the House Committee on National Security and Border Affairs gears up for a probing investigation into this explosive development.

The House Committee on National Security and Border Affairs announced a thorough investigation into the reports of Thaksin’s alleged negotiations with resistance groups in Myanmar.

According to VOA Burmese, the 74 year old former PM engaged in high-stakes discussions with representatives of prominent organisations in Myanmar, including the Kachin National Organisation and the National Unity Government, to quell the escalating armed conflict across the border.

Following these revelations, Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa swiftly distanced Thailand from Thaksin’s actions, asserting that the kingdom had no involvement in the controversial meetings.

However, House Committee Chairman Rangsiman Rome minced no words, expressing concerns over Thaksin’s unauthorised foray into international diplomacy. Rangsiman emphasised that Thaksin’s lack of an official government position undermines Thailand’s diplomatic efforts and sows confusion regarding the country’s stance on Myanmar’s crisis.

The chairman of the committee, an MP of the opposition Move Forward Party, stressed the need for transparent and accountable diplomatic channels in resolving regional conflicts, reported The Nation.

He criticised Thaksin’s manoeuvres as potentially undermining the authority of the Thai government.