Samart Kaewmeechai, a former deputy president of the national assembly, said that such a scenario was barely possible given that it apparently broke the political party law. It likely rather stemmed from the personal views of supporters of Pongsak in the party, particularly from ex-MPs in the Northeast, he suggested. “Pongsak is one of those people suitable [for Pheu Thai leadership] as first-generation workers, and was the first party director,” he said, adding, “Still, he has never expressed interest in overseeing the party.”With his business background, Pongsak served at different times as industry minister and transport minister under Thaksin Shinawatra, and as energy minister in Yingluck Shinawatra’s administration. Speculation over his becoming the next Pheu Thai leader came shortly after reports that some of the party’s politicians had recently flown abroad to visit fugitive former premier Thaksin for political discussions, including about who would navigate the currently headless party. Political observers believe the Pheu Thai figures might have brainstormed with the two former PMs on the party’s future path as the junta continues to tighten its grip on power.

Source: The Nation Bangkok February 19, 2018 12:00 UTC