BANGKOK, Thailand – Thaksin Shinawatra, the former prime minister, will remain a factor in Thai politics despite his imprisonment, but his influence will be diminished, a political science lecturer said on Tuesday.
Stithorn Thananithichot, a political science lecturer at Chulalongkorn University, told Thai News Agency that Thaksin, who was sentenced to one year in prison, will likely be a “spiritual leader” from behind the scenes.
Thaksin’s role will be less active, and he will not be able to participate in political rallies, the lecturer said.
He added that if elections are held according to a memorandum of agreement (MOA) between the ruling Bhumjaithai Party and the opposition People’s Party for the new government to dissolve the House within four months, the Pheu Thai Party may not fully recover, and more Members of Parliament (MPs) could defect.
Mr. Stithorn said the future of the Pheu Thai party looks uncertain, noting that its popularity may not rebound soon.
He said that due to Thaksin’s imprisonment, the upcoming general election will likely be a contest between the Bhumjaithai Party and the People’s Party. (TNA)
