The feud between "Thaksin" and "Chalerm" has become a political fracture attracting attention after heated exchanges. Their relationship dates back more than 30 years, before the former prime minister entered politics. While "Thaksin" was exiled abroad, Lieutenant Colonel Chalerm became a key leader helping party members survive crises. Thus, it's unsurprising Lieutenant Colonel Chalerm said in an interview, "...no one knows who owes whom, but I know, and heaven and earth know..."
"I still don’t want to hear the name. There’s no break-up; why would he care about me? But I’m ready to debate. When I was abroad, we talked all the time; we only didn’t talk when I returned. I don’t want to open that door. If someone asks who owes whom, no one knows but I do, and heaven and earth know who owes whom," Lieutenant Colonel Chalerm Yubamrung, a party-list MP for Pheu Thai Party, said in an interview at his home regarding his rift with former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra on 24 July.
As soon as his former ally expressed opinions, Thaksin Shinawatra responded immediately on his 75th birthday on 26 July 2024 at Ban Chansongla. Regarding Lieutenant Colonel Chalerm Yubamrung’s challenge to debate, Thaksin said, "Don’t talk about him. I feel sorry for him. He’s old. I’m old, and he’s older."
Tracing the relationship between Lieutenant Colonel Chalerm Yubamrung and Thaksin Shinawatra becomes clear from the time Thaksin was a rising young businessman in Thailand. At that time, Lieutenant Colonel Chalerm held a position at the Prime Minister’s Office under General Chatichai Choonhavan’s government with oversight of the MCOT. During this period, Thaksin secured a cable TV concession, a turning point that propelled his telecom business to boom with huge profits.
Although their early relationship differed due to their roles, after the coup, Lieutenant Colonel Chalerm had to go into political exile abroad, staying in Sweden and Denmark, with assets worth over 32 million baht confiscated. When political tensions eased, he returned to Thailand and became Minister of Justice in Banharn Silpa-archa’s government until 1997. He also joined General Chavalit Yongchaiyudh’s New Aspiration Party.
Their paths crossed again when Lieutenant Colonel Chalerm joined Thaksin’s political party. After the 2006 coup, Thaksin trusted Lieutenant Colonel Chalerm as a key campaign strategist, leading to a landslide electoral victory. Similarly, Lieutenant Colonel Chalerm was re-elected to the House of Representatives.
While former prime minister Thaksin was exiled abroad, Lieutenant Colonel Chalerm became a leading figure in the party, trusted and frequently mentioned for their conversations. Naturally, political secrets were often exchanged between them.
By the 2023 election, although Lieutenant Colonel Chalerm reduced his active role in Pheu Thai due to health issues, he promoted his son to assist politically. Since Thaksin’s return to Thailand, images of them together have been rare. The rift became clearer when Wan Yubamrung, Lieutenant Colonel Chalerm’s son, resigned from Pheu Thai after being seen supporting “Big Jazz” during the Pathum Thani provincial election vote count.
Although both now clearly express their rift, as former close allies, some secrets remain guarded in their hearts. It is possible this rift may soon be healed.