MAHA SARAKHAM, Thailand – Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra continued his election campaign in Northeastern Thailand, advocating for local elections and sharing his political insights in Maha Sarakham. Reflecting on the future of Thai politics, Thaksin expressed a strong belief that his daughter, Paetongtarn “Ing” Shinawatra, would return to power by 2030, marking a second term as Prime Minister. He highlighted that her leadership would be in line with the legacy of the Thai Rak Thai party, which was known for its progressive reforms and substantial development of the nation during his time in office.
In his speech, Thaksin emphasized the importance of creating opportunities for children in rural areas, noting that access to better education and a more supportive environment would help bridge the gap between urban and rural populations. He stressed the role of local governments in connecting communities to the central government, ensuring that development reaches all corners of Thailand.
A key focus of his address was his longstanding vision for the establishment of entertainment complexes, including casinos, in Thailand. Thaksin asserted that public opinion had shifted in favor of such developments, following years of resistance. He explained that these projects would not only boost tourism but also attract significant investment, particularly in the hospitality and entertainment sectors, and create thousands of jobs.
Reflecting on the past, Thaksin recalled how his proposal for entertainment complexes and casinos was initially rejected when he was in office, partly due to opposition from conservative groups and those who misunderstood the potential economic benefits. He pointed to Singapore as a successful example, where similar developments had transformed the local economy and attracted international visitors. He noted that while Thailand hesitated for over 20 years, other countries capitalized on the opportunity, leaving Thailand behind in terms of development and tourism.
Now, with the public increasingly in favor of such initiatives, Thaksin believes it is crucial for Thailand to embrace the idea of entertainment complexes with casinos in order to stay competitive in the global tourism market. He argued that failing to do so would mean continued stagnation, with limited opportunities for growth and development.
In addition, Thaksin reaffirmed his support for the financial stimulus measures promised by the Pheu Thai Party, including the distribution of funds to support the economy, with 10,000 Baht expected to be credited to eligible accounts starting January 27, 2025. While acknowledging that the distribution may be slower than initially planned due to changes in the bureaucracy, Thaksin remained confident that the promises made would be fulfilled.
Thaksin’s speech in Maha Sarakham reinforced his commitment to continuing the political legacy of the Shinawatra family, while advocating for the forward-thinking policies he believes are necessary to propel Thailand’s economy into the future.
