Political drama peaks
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Political drama peaks

Political pundits and observers will have their eyes peeled as today's political events play out so that even a drama film pales in comparison.

Within one day, society will likely witness fugitive ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra return to Thailand in his private plane, reportedly to land at Don Mueang Airport at 9am.

In the afternoon, parliament will hold a prime ministerial vote to select the next prime minister once again.

As of yesterday, the Pheu Thai Party were insisting that Srettha Thavisin would be the party's prime minister candidate, adding uncertainty to an already volatile political situation due to allegations made.

The real estate tycoon has been accused by former massage parlour owner and ex-politician Chuvit Kamolvisit of tax dodging and business fraud.

Meanwhile, Pheu Thai, which already has 314 votes from the party and 11 coalition members, still needs 62 votes from the Senate.

It is hoped that senators will make a fair decision and not use the accusations against Mr Srettha to favour other political parties like Bhumjaithai and the Palang Pracharath Party.

The last thing we wish to see is that the Senate creates conditions to bring in an outside prime minister.

But the temperature at parliament cannot match what will happen at Don Mueang Airport. It was confirmed by the national police chief that Thaksin contacted the Royal Thai Police that he will return to Thailand as promised.

The return of Thaksin is beyond any pundits' imaginations, but it would not be a surprise if Thaksin, known for easily changing his mind, didn't arrive at all.

But if he is a man of his word this time, after stepping on Thai soil, Thaksin -- who spent over 15 years running away from court verdicts on corruption charges -- will become a prisoner brought to court and sent to prison where he will begin to serve what is meant to be a 10-year jail term.

A few other corruption charges await him as well.

The next government and related officials must show that the former PM will be treated like other prisoners.

But there are plenty of rumours Thaksin will briefly serve some jail time and be fast-tracked for a pardon. Many also believe other corruption charges that he faces will be dropped.

There is ground for such doubts. Shockingly, it now appears his exact jail term is inconclusive. Previously, it had been reported that his jail term would be 10 years.

Yesterday, a new report suggested the former prime minister must now only serve a five-year jail term. It is time for the Court of Justice and Ministry of Justice to clear the air and spell out how many years he faces in jail and what pardon he could be granted.

The country has paid dearly during the past two decades of fierce political protest between the red and yellow shirts. The ensuing two coups and two charters have brought us nowhere.

What happens at parliament and Don Mueang will be a new chapter in Thai politics, showing whether our lawmakers are ready to bring the country forward.

What happens at Don Mueang Airport, if it happens at all, will be the biggest test of the nation's justice system. It is only hoped that Thailand's overall society will rise to the occasion of such an eventful day.

Editorial

Bangkok Post editorial column

These editorials represent Bangkok Post thoughts about current issues and situations.

Email : anchaleek@bangkokpost.co.th

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