Pheu Thai Dismisses Adviser Role for Thaksin Ahead of Release

หนุน​น้อง - พ.ต.ท.​ทักษิณ ชิน​วัตร อดีต​นายกรัฐมนตรี ให้​สัมภาษณ์​สำนัก​ข่าว​รอยเตอร์​ที่​บ้านพัก​ใน​นคร​ดูไบ สห​รัฐ​อาหรับ​เอ​มิ​เรตส์ กล่าว​สนับสนุน น.ส.​ยิ่ง​ลักษณ์ ชิน​วัตร น้อง​สาว ใน​การ​เลือกตั้ง​ที่​กำลัง​จะ​มา​ถึง (รูป​สำนัก​ข่าว​ต่าง​ประเทศ) เมื่อ​วัน​ที่ 16 มิ.ย.54

BANGKOK, May 3, 2026 — Thailand’s ruling Pheu Thai Party has ruled out any formal advisory role for former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra following his scheduled parole on May 11, while acknowledging his continued symbolic influence.

Party leader Julapun Amornvivat said on Saturday that no preparations had been made related to Thaksin’s release and stressed that the party operates independently of any individual.

He described Thaksin as a “spiritual figure” dating back to the Thai Rak Thai era but said decision-making authority remains solely with the party’s executive committee.

Julapun added that while Thaksin’s experience could still contribute to public discourse, including through speeches or opinions on political and economic issues, he is not expected to take on any formal role such as adviser or board member.

He noted that personal interactions between Thaksin and party members could occur informally but would not influence official party governance.

Thaksin, a central figure in Thai politics for more than two decades, is set to be released on parole after serving part of a one-year sentence. His return is expected to draw attention to his public presence and potential informal influence.

Pheu Thai has sought to draw a clear distinction between Thaksin’s personal status and the party’s institutional decision-making, amid ongoing speculation about his political role after release.