By Thai Newsroom Reporters
MOVE FORWARD LEADER Chaithawat Tulathon said today (Feb.15) Thailand might probably be run simultaneously by two prime ministers after de facto Pheu Thai boss-cum-convict Thaksin Shinawatra has been released on parole.
Apart from Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin legally tasked with the running of the country, the de facto Pheu Thai boss-cum-convict might practically do the same, albeit in surreptitious, behind-the-scenes fashion, now that the “sickly” former prime minister has been granted parole and is expected to return home from Police Hospital on the upcoming Sunday, said the Move Forward leader, who concurrently performs as opposition leader at parliament.
“There might probably be two prime ministers at the same time. (Thaksin) might suddenly look healthy and kicking after release on parole and go places to visit the people throughout the country,” Chaithawat said.
Since the de facto Pheu Thai boss-cum-convict returned from self-exile abroad and was provided the contentious privileges with a tight-security, private ward and a cellphone at Police Hospital since last August, he has already taken part in the power play over the setup of a Pheu Thai-led government and allocation of cabinet portfolios among coalition partners via his right-hand man/Pheu Thai wheeler-dealer Phumtham Wechayachai who was named a deputy prime minister-cum-commerce minister.
In what was seen as an unlikely political shenanigan at the alleged order of his boss, Phumtham managed to name himself chair of the House Budget Committee in place of a finance minister whilst Srettha who concurrently performs as finance minister could have delegated a deputy finance minister for the job.
Conflict of interest among coalition partners might probably arise and aggravate if Thaksin put his hands on varied government affairs as he used to during his previous premiership, according to the Move Forward leader.
Chaithawat said Srettha might no longer feel secure with his elected premiership if Thaksin manipulated any government affairs behind his back or did so in the name of the core coalition partner under leadership of his daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
“Members of cabinet and government officials might probably be confused and helpless at the possibility of orders and instructions being given in overlapping, mutually contradictory manner from two prime ministers. They might not even know which one of the two prime ministers they are obliged to listen to,” he said.
CAPTIONS:
Top and Front Page: De facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra, left, and Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, right. File photos: Thai Rath
Insert: Move Forward leader Chaithawat Tulathon. Photo: Matichon
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