Pheu Thai Reinvents Itself as Independent Opposition on the Path to the Next Election

Photo: Teeravoot Sion / SAP NEWS

(SAP NEWS – Ratcha Piyathammadhaj) After the government, led by Anutin Charnvirakul, announced that it will organize Parliament within four months, beginning effectively on October 1, Pheu Thai is undergoing a major political shift, now becoming a full-fledged opposition. Its new posture and strategy moving forward are closely watched, especially how it positions itself in the short run before a possible dissolution of Parliament and in the long run toward the next election.

Nattawut Saikua Photo: กรรมกรข่าวคุยนอกจอ

Pheu Thai has declared that, for the near term, it will act as an “independent opposition”, refusing to join the opposition whip with the People’s Party. Nattawut Saikua explained that this move is intended to prevent public misunderstanding that Pheu Thai somehow agrees with the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the People’s Party and the Bhumjaithai Party. It is also meant to clearly differentiate Pheu Thai politically. He noted that the MOA’s promise to push for constitutional amendments within four months is likely to fail, because the 2017 constitution was designed to prevent amendments, and conservative political forces remain strongly opposed. Thus, by acting as an independent opposition, Pheu Thai avoids sharing responsibility if the government fails to deliver, shifting that burden instead to the People’s Party.

photo: Pheu Thai Party Facebook

Pheu Thai also used the government’s two-day policy address at Parliament as a platform to aggressively question the new cabinet, effectively turning it into a prelude to a no-confidence debate or an election campaign. MP Jiraporn Sindhuprap emphasized irregularities in the government formation, referencing remarks by Hun Sen, President of the Senate of Cambodia. MP Kokaew Pikulthong named Ministers from Bhumjaithai and mockingly suggested a “Buriram Ministry” and relocating the Government House to Khao Kradong hill. Meanwhile, Anusorn Iamsa-ard raised moral questions targeting Minister Thammanat Prompao under the banner “Rewarding the Manipulator: a stain hard to erase,” referencing past court judgments abroad and the “It’s just powder” controversy. All of this is part of Pheu Thai’s attempt to project an image of being the true opposition and to seize political advantage ahead of the coming electoral battle.

At the same time, the party has drawn a clear contrast between previous government formations and the current situation. Nattawut emphasized that when Pheu Thai previously governed with conservative allies, it still controlled its own policy agenda. In contrast, the present arrangement gives the People’s Party the power to establish the government, backed by the Senate and independent bodies, something Pheu Thai refuses to accept.

Many political analysts agree that Pheu Thai is likely to go on the offensive by submitting a motion of no confidence against Anutin’s government ahead of the People’s Party, to create pressure and possibly force an early dissolution of Parliament. The strategy is seen as a response to its exclusion from government, especially as Pheu Thai now has enough MPs under parliamentary rules to submit such a motion on its own confidently. This tactic could put the People’s Party in a difficult position; whether it votes “confidence” or “no confidence,” either choice may affect its political image.

Wanchai Sornsiri, a Former senator, photo: TODAY LIVE

Even after a recent political defeat, many believe Pheu Thai still has an opportunity to reclaim a leading role, centered around Thaksin Shinawatra. Wanchai Sornsiri, a Former senator, argued that Thaksin will need to use the party and its MPs as the main instruments of political mobilization, and that once his ban ends, he can use his influence to reunite elite networks and the party’s old base to revive its strength.

photo: NIDA Poll

However, Pheu Thai’s path is not without challenges, especially recurring political attacks from past controversies such as viral video scandals, which could be revived to undermine its credibility. According to the latest NIDA Poll, Pheu Thai’s support has risen to about 13%, partly driven by a “sympathy vote” for Thaksin, but it is still regarded as a party that “survives but does not grow.” Thus, maintaining its existing base and expanding new support remain major tasks for Pheu Thai if it hopes to return as a dominant force in Thai politics.

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Source of material: official media /online news