Shifting breezes signify transformation
The Constitutional Court of Thailand has made a landmark decision, removing Paetongtarn Shinawatra from the premiership due to her failure to uphold ethics expected of the highest public office holder. This ruling has dealt a significant blow to the Pheu Thai Party-led coalition government and has created an unexpected opening for conservative parties to reposition themselves as the steady alternative to both populist excess and progressive radicalism.
The Democrats, a long-standing political party in Thailand, are now facing a leadership contest. The resignation of Chalermchai Sri-on has triggered this change, and the party is required to select a new leader and an executive board within 60 days.
Amidst this turmoil, there are calls for the return of Abhisit Vejjajiva, a former prime minister and one of the Democrats' most prominent leaders. Abhisit left the party in December 2023 during a leadership contest, but his potential return could encourage former Democrat politicians with sound reputations to rejoin the party.
Abhisit is seen by many as a possible saviour for the Democrats from political oblivion. Some Democrat veterans have expressed confidence that he can rejuvenate the party at a critical time. Former Democrat MP for Trang, Sathit Wongnongtoey, implied that if Abhisit leads again, he can provide the momentum needed for the party in elections.
The United Thai Nation (UTN) Party, which backed former prime minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, may reclaim support from the Democrats if they find the right leader, particularly if Abhisit returns. According to some observers, Mr Abhisit's return could secure as much as 10% of the vote or potentially 50 seats in the 500-member House.
The ruling was based on a leaked audio conversation Paetongtarn had with Cambodian strongman Hun Sen. Four Democrat MPs defied a party resolution to abstain in the vote that installed Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul as the new premier.
The Constitutional Court's ruling also disqualified Ms. Paetongtarn from assuming executive posts in listed companies due to her lack of "demonstrable" ethics. This decision has created a leadership vacuum within the Pheu Thai Party.
Conservatives in Thailand view the ruling as a necessary corrective against populist overreach, and conservative forces are energised by the ruling and see it as a moment of vindication. The Democrats, with the potential return of Abhisit Vejjajiva, may be poised to capitalise on this shift in political sentiment.
However, the Democratic Party's preferred candidate to recover from drop-out situations and run again in the next election is not specified in the provided search results. Chalermchai cited health concerns as the reason for stepping down and denied speculation of internal conflict or pressure for a reset.
As the political landscape in Thailand shifts, the Democrats, with the potential return of Abhisit Vejjajiva, are preparing for a new chapter in their party's history. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the party's direction and its potential role in the future of Thai politics.
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