The gangster party and rightist politics

We previously asked: “How high do scammers go? It is becoming increasingly clear that they have infiltrated the highest levels of wealth and government on all sides of politics – that is, the ruling class has been compromised by scammers in Cambodia – the current focus – but in other neighboring countries as well.

The latest photos of Thai political and military big shots dealing with those associated with the hugely profitable scamming industry include Gen Prawit Wongsuwan and Sudarat Keyuraphan.

Clipped from Khaosod

With such deep embedding within the Thai ruling class it seems unlikely that the true extent of this potentially massive corruption relies on whistleblowers continuing to release information.

Of course, scamming is just one of the troubles facing Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and his gangster party, Bhum Jai Thai. Others include the failure to deal with northern and central region flooding and the inept response to the southern floods. On top of that, the economy remains in the doldrums.

Anutin has defended his work and his government by pointing at others. His strategy is rightist playbook perfect. He remains close to photo-ops with palace figures, proclaims his nationalism and loyalty, and his party continues to campaign for the upcoming election.

What we can’t help wondering is if another war with Cambodia, probably prompted by the Royal Thai Army, though it denies this, is a way to bolster rightist and nationalist support for the gangster government.