Former Pheu Thai MP downplays talk of Pongsak becoming party leader
A Pheu Thai Party ex-MP on Monday dismissed speculation that former minister Pongsak Raktapongpaisan would fill the long-vacant position of party leader, while political observers believe the decision will be significantly guided by persons overseas.
Samart Kaewmeechai, a former deputy president of the national assembly, said that such a scenario was barely possible given that it apparently broke the political party law.
It likely rather stemmed from the personal views of supporters of Pongsak in the party, particularly from ex-MPs in the Northeast, he suggested.
“Pongsak is one of those people suitable [for Pheu Thai leadership] as first-generation workers, and was the first party director,” he said, adding, “Still, he has never expressed interest in overseeing the party.”
With his business background, Pongsak served at different times as industry minister and transport minister under Thaksin Shinawatra, and as energy minister in Yingluck Shinawatra’s administration.
Speculation over his becoming the next Pheu Thai leader came shortly after reports that some of the party’s politicians had recently flown abroad to visit fugitive former premier Thaksin for political discussions, including about who would navigate the currently headless party.
These discussions took place at a time of rising domestic anger following yet another postponement of the general election, plus the appearance of Yingluck, who fled Thailand last August to escape punishment in connection with her former administration’s rice-pledging scheme.
Political observers believe the Pheu Thai figures might have brainstormed with the two former PMs on the party’s future path as the junta continues to tighten its grip on power.