Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said today he is too old to become prime minister again, but he may advise his daughter, Pheu Thai party leader Paetongtarn, in a private capacity.
The former prime minister, who will complete his parole on August 22, celebrated his 75th birthday at his Ban Chan Song La residence today with his family members, other relatives, close friends and some key members of the Pheu Thai party.
Thaksin said he does not expect to be given any political post after the completion of his parole and will continue to receive a 700 baht monthly subsidy for the elderly from the government.
The former prime minister also said he is not worried about the prospect that Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin may lose his job in a Constitutional Court decision, which it is scheduled to deliver on August 14 over his appointment of Pichit Chuenban as PM Office Minister.
He said that the prime minister appointed Pichit in good faith and would be able to explain as such to the court.
Among the key party members who attended his birthday celebration today were Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit, Pheu Thai Secretary-General Sorawong Thienthong, Pheu Thai deputy leader Chusak Sirinil and Deputy Interior Minister Kriang Kaltinan.
Prime Minister Srettha was not present today because he was on an official trip to Nakhon Phanom province.
A pre-birthday celebration was also held yesterday at a hotel in Soi Rangnam in Bangkok’s Phaya Thai district, to which only close friends and colleagues were invited.
