Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, the leader of Thailand’s Progressive Movement, is set to make waves this weekend with his grand revelation concerning the former residence of the esteemed late Thai Prime Minister Pridi Banomyong, nestled in the serene suburbs of Antony, Paris.
The much-anticipated announcement, scheduled for Saturday, will be broadcast live via the movement’s Facebook page.
In a tantalising sneak peek released today, Thanathorn was pictured alongside notable figures including Pridi’s daughter, Suda Banomyong, revered scholar Sulak Sivaraksa, and esteemed historian Charnvit Kasetsiri, hinting at the magnitude of the impending revelation.
The saga began in early April when Thanathorn disclosed his acquisition of the historic house, where Pridi spent his twilight years, from its Vietnamese proprietor for a staggering sum of approximately 63 million baht. The Progressive Movement leader aims to immortalise the residence as a testament to Thailand’s pivotal political revolution of 1932.
Detailing the captivating journey behind the acquisition, co-leader Piyabutr Saengkanokkul recounted how Thanathorn, driven by a passion for preserving history, spearheaded the quest for the property after learning of its significance from a group of Thai students in France.
Despite initial hurdles and the owner’s reluctance, fate intervened in 2022 when the stars aligned, and the house became available for purchase, reported Thai PBS World.
Amidst looming threats of commercial development, Thanathorn’s timely intervention saved the historic abode from being swallowed by urbanisation.
In related news, the Constitutional Court has thrown a lifeline to the embattled Move Forward Party, granting a 15-day extension in their high-stakes battle against dissolution. Citing the noble cause of justice, this last-minute reprieve pushes the deadline to June 2, marking the final opportunity for the main opposition to salvage its political future.
In other news, former Thai politician Jakrapob Pemkair returned to Thailand after 15 years of political asylum in Cambodia. Upon his return, he was apprehended due to two remaining arrest warrants but was later granted 400,000 baht bail.
Bangkok NewsPolitics NewsThailand News
