Ex-Politician Says Thailand Wastes Thaksin's Talent While Rivals Benefit
Former Pheu Thai politician Worachai Hema says Thailand is wasting Thaksin's talents while foreign nations like Indonesia recruit him as an advisor, calling for supporters to gather for the ex-PM's 77th birthday celebration on July 26.
Worachai Hema, former Samut Prakan MP from the Pheu Thai Party, expressed regret that foreign nations are making use of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra while Thailand does not benefit from his abilities. He called on red-shirt supporters to gather and celebrate Thaksin's 77th birthday on July 26 at Joom-Dad restaurant to offer encouragement.
Worachai noted that Thaksin's recent visits to ASEAN leaders in Malaysia and Indonesia were made at their invitation, not at his request, suggesting these meetings benefit those countries. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, in particular, invited Thaksin to serve as an advisor, recognizing his knowledge and experience could help develop Indonesia.
Worachai lamented the contrast with Thailand, where Thaksin—a Thai national and widely regarded as one of Thailand's most capable former prime ministers—is sidelined. Thaksin had guided the country through an economic crisis, raising GDP growth from 1% to 5% in two years. However, economic growth has stalled since his removal from power, with neighboring countries like Myanmar and Cambodia now surpassing Thailand's performance.
"Thailand faces a problem where talented and capable people are blocked from working to solve the nation's problems, only to be recruited by foreign countries, while Thailand gains no benefit from their abilities," Worachai said. He invited all who support Thaksin to join the birthday celebration on July 26 at Joom-Dad restaurant (Ponyang Kham, km 6, Soi Rama Intra 40) starting at 11 a.m.
