Yaowapa's return shores up a dynasty

Yaowapa’s staging of a political comeback is significant and momentous for the Shinawatra family, which has had its share of political ups and downs.

Having members of the clan ready to inherit power is necessary if the family wants to put the country under its thumb without any hiccups.

Panthongtae Shinawatra, Thaksin’s son, posted a message on his Facebook page Pheu Thai needed a substitute prime minister because any mishap could occur and doom the party. He flashed back to the political demise of the Thai Rak Thai and People Power parties.

Thaksin himself Skyped to tell the Pheu Thai Party he wanted Yaowapa back in politics to help Yingluck with her parliamentary work – so the PM could smoothly manage the country without having to worry about her duties as an MP, as she had a reinforcement team led by Yaowapa.

The Shinawatra family learned a lesson and the consequences of using a figurehead outside the family when they entrusted Samak Sundaravej with the PM’s hat.

Yaowapa’s influence and clout rival that of her sister the current prime minister. She seemed to be more influential when Thai Rak Thai was in its glory. Yaowapa was called “Wang Bua Ban Godmother” who had more than 100 MPs under her wing, and it was reported she held bargaining power to negotiate ministerial seats directly with her brother Thaksin.

Her comeback means she has to restore her clout as former Thai Rak Thai deputy leader, former PM adviser, and former chairwoman of the House of Representatives committee on industry. Yaowapa’s comeback means Pheu Thai will have a leader who has control over politics inside and outside Parliament.

Living testimony to Yaowapa’s role and power is a long list of ministers who are under her umbrella, from Commerce Minister Boonsong Teriyapirom to Science Minister Worawat Auapinyakul, PM’s Office Minister Varathep Ratanakorn, Deputy Finance Minister Tanusak Lekuthai and even Government Spokesman Dr Tossaporn Serirak.

Political observers believe the Shinawatra family does have conflicts and differences, but their wrangling is not publicly revealed because they turn their dissatisfaction into bargaining for shares of work.

People from government inner circles label Yingluck’s government as one in which Thaksin is in charge of policies both domestic and international; Yaowapa coordinates both inside and outside the party; and Yingluck herself acts as a leader who follows a script written by her brother and sister.

In terms of work and responsibilities, Prime Minister Yingluck is in charge of the Bt2-trillion investment programme, former PM Thaksin is in charge of energy and water projects worth Bt350 billion, and Yaowapa is in charge of high-level appointments and transfers at ministries. She also has a good rapport with the commerce minister, who is in charge of the rice-pledging scheme.

Yaowapa has also been given a duty to connect with the red shirts, who have been demanding that the ruling party honour its promises, so that her sister Yingluck is not affected by red-shirt protests and rallies.

Yaowapa’s role in her family business, which focuses on telecommunication and real estate, seems questionable because each member of her family holds only one or two shares in each business. Critics wonder why the family has to resort to such a means when they can invest in any business with transparency.

Yaowapa must ensure transparency in the rice-pledging scheme after the opposition attacked the government’s rice sales through government-to-government agreements, but the Commerce Ministry failed to give clear answers.

Reports are rife that a powerful lady has nominee companies to take part in the rice-pledging scheme, leaving rice mills and nominees in her control to prosper rapidly.

Yaowapa will have to clear away doubts and allegations against her, and only time will prove whether she is gold that has not been burned in the fire.

Deputy House Speaker Wisut Chainarun said Yaowapa could be the whip, or an office-holder to make sure MPs attend House meetings. She could also be the link in coordinating the government and prominent members of Pheu Thai Party.

Phayao MP Arunee Chamnarnya said Yaowapa was the prime minister’s sister, so people would respect her. She is also is influential and senior, so she can regulate the party’s MPs.

Yaowapa being an MP is better than playing an outside role, Arunee said, and she can expect criticism for just being a Shinawatra.

Chiang Rai MP Samart Kaewmeechai said the Shinawatras had survived many crises and were strong. Attacking Yaowapa would only make the Pheu Thai Party stronger. 

“After being an MP, I would like Yaowapa to coordinate the work with all parties, including the opposition and senators. She has the charisma and influence. If she does this, the government whip’s work will be easier,” he said.