Compromise over ruling coalition could haunt Thaksin’s party for years

Economic performance, say analysts, is just about the only way the Pheu Thai party can redeem itself in the eyes of its supporters now.

Former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra greeting supporters after landing at Bangkok's Don Mueang airport on Aug 22. PHOTO: AFP
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Three months after the stunning outcome in a general election, Thailand’s government is once again filled with familiar faces.

Developments leading up to the formation of the government carry the whiff of a political deal: A military-appointed legislative bloc refused to allow the leader of the top-performing party in the poll, Move Forward Party (MFP), to become prime minister. A deadlock ensued.

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