PM Anutin Bows to Thaksin in Public Show of Coalition Unity
Current PM Anutin gave a respectful wai to Thaksin at a funeral in Ubon Ratchathani, publicly reaffirming the coalition government's unity amid political tensions and speculation about backroom dealings.
At the funeral service for Krieng Kalpitnanth, former deputy interior minister, held at the For Thailand Party office in Ubon Ratchathani, key political figures gathered. The most significant moment came when three former Prime Ministers—Thaksin Shinawatra, Yingluck Shinawatra, and Somchai Wongsawat—appeared alongside current Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who presided over the ceremony and sat in close conversation with Thaksin. As Thaksin prepared to leave, Anutin walked him to his car and performed a respectful wai, a gesture that observers say was designed to reinforce the bond between the two ruling coalition partners amid mounting political challenges.
The gesture carries significant political weight. Analysts interpret Anutin's wai as an attempt to reaffirm the tight alliance between the blue and red factions of the coalition government during turbulent times. The move appears to respond to recent speculation about secret dealings—such as reports of a supposed Monaco rendezvous between General Thammasus Promboon and For Thailand leaders—which both Thammasus and party officials flatly denied. By publicly honoring Thaksin, Anutin seems to be signaling that the blue and red remain solid and unified against political headwinds.
Anutin later explained that the wai was customary, noting he served under Thaksin during his premiership and holds him in high regard. He stressed that his government's work with For Thailand, with Deputy Prime Minister Yosthanan Wongswadisai, runs smoothly with strong cooperation.
Though the Ubon meeting appeared to be their first public encounter since Thaksin's release from prison and amnesty pardon, insiders confirm a private meeting occurred shortly after his discharge from detention on June 9, when Thaksin met with Newin Chidchob, Anutin, and Patcharaman at Fort Petchburi. That earlier conversation aimed to reassure Thaksin of the blue faction's continued respect and commitment to future political partnership.
The public appearance in Ubon marks the coalition's second encounter, but the first openly displayed. The wai served as a deliberate gesture to project government stability and solidarity even as the ruling coalition faces mounting internal and external pressure.
