Former PM Thaksin Shinawatra appeared in public again today, this time to congratulate a former redshirt leader on the opening of the second branch of his southern cuisine restaurant in Bangkok.
He was welcomed to the Yeam Tai restaurant on Chaiyaphruk Road by numerous political figures, including Bhumjaithai Party leader and deputy prime minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Agriculture Minister Thammanat Prompao, who is also secretary-general of the Palang Pracharath Party.
Nattawut had been a hard core red shirt faction leader, who led the protests against the Abhisit Vejjajiva government in 2009. He was deputy minister of agriculture and commerce in Yingluck Shinawatra’s government in 2012 and 2014.
Thaksin was released on parole in February, claiming that he was old and very sick. His appearance seems to contradict his claim of illness though, as he has travelled to several provinces, such as Chiang Mai, Phuket and, next week, Nakhon Ratchasima.
He is believed to be playing a behind-the-scenes political role via the ruling Pheu Thai Party, of which his youngest daughter is the leader.
He has also tried to mediate between the warring factions if Myanmar.
