Kiss and slap

June 2, 2025: Everyone certainly remembers MoU44. Not everyone may remember the time when Thaksin Shinawatra, representing the Bangkok government, had to make Thais run for their lives from Cambodia. (Many Thai political activists were watching cartoons or not even born yet at the time.)

Everyone surely remembers the cordial group photos portraying the close ties the Shinawatras have with elite Cambodians. It was no secret either which country top red-shirt members escaped to, or passed through, at the height of their conflicts with Thai authorities.

But border skirmishes or disputes happened. It’s bewildering if we take into account some of the above. But it will not be so bewildering if we embrace some conspiracy theories.

A surge of nationalism is, in a way, good for ruling politicians. Some corrupt ones became national heroes thanks to wars (Ask key figures in the Russia-Ukraine war or the Gaza invasion). Some major football victories triggered mass celebrations and made the public forget daily woes.

In other words, a smart use of nationalism can be a great political distraction or even game changer.

All this does not mean the Thai-Cambodian ties have involved, with absolute certainty, conspiracies. It can be just a silly relationship alternating between violence and romance. It’s like your boyfriend slaps you one day and kisses you the next, and you can do nothing but try to “MoU44” your way through it.

Doctors versus politicians

June 1, 2025: A rare battle is unfolding. If, on June 12, at least 47 members of the Medical Council reaffirm its opinion on the Thaksin Shinawatra treatment at the Police Hospital, it will send major shockwaves through the political realm.

And vice versa. If the council, which has 70 members, fails to confirm the opinion that the treatment was suspicious and unethical, critics will say ruling politicians have made professionals know their place.

In fact, the 14th floor controversy is never a “grey” matter. By “grey”, one may think one way and the other the opposite. In this case, everyone knows why Thaksin ended up at the Police Hospital. It is actually a case of whether or not the Thai society, which brings together the public, political apparatus, bureaucracy and professionals, can always accept or always be made to accept what politicians fighting for powers say is acceptable.

It’s a case of whether politicians can go only so far in dictating or influencing public opinions, or the sky is the limit regarding what they can do.

Reports say lobbying has been in full swing. Every vote for or against will be intensely scrutinised in addition to absences. Some council members are entitled to sending representatives to the crucial voting, but representation in case of an absence is apparently not compulsory, meaning some members can probably just skip the session.

Political and ideological battlegrounds keep shifting in Thailand, and a profession long priding itself on noble acts is having its turn.

Daily updates and opinions on local and international events by Tulsathit Taptim