Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said today that he has no immediate plan to meet with convicted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, but wishes him a happy reunion with his family following his release on parole from the Police General Hospital this morning.
He also said that he has not called Pheu Thai party leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra to congratulate her on the release of her father, adding that he can speak to her when they meet.
Anutin Charnvirakul
Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, also leader of the Bhumjaithai party, said that he will visit Thaksin when his health improves, because Thaksin used to be his boss.
He dismissed speculation that, with the release of Thaksin on parole, the seat of power will move from Government House to the Ban Chan Song La Thaksin residence.
Anutin said that he believes that numerous people in the government are keen to meet with Thaksin and to seek his advice, adding that he has also sought advice from former prime minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.
Phumtham Wechayachai
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai hit back at Move Forward party leader Chaithawat Tulathon for suggesting that Thaksin may interfere with the government after his release.
He insists that Prime Minister Srettha is nobody’s puppet and hinted that Chaithawat may be fantasising.
“Nobody wants to be a puppet. Ask yourself first whether you would want to be,” said Phumtham, apparently, referring to the Move Forward party leader.
