Thaksin Shinawatra, accompanied by his daughter and son-in-law, led Pheu Thai and government leaders to attend the Buddhist funeral rite of Pol. Lt. Gen. Phon Paladsara, father of Dr. Aom-Pakpilai, reaffirming the close relationship between the Shinawatra and Taweesin families.
On 6 August 2026 at Wat Thepsirintrawaram, Dr. Thaksin Shinawatra, the 23rd former Prime Minister, served as chairman and attended the Buddhist funeral rite of Pol. Lt. Gen. Phon Paladsara, former commander of Provincial Police Region 1 and father of Dr. Pakpilai Taweesin, wife of Mr. Srettha Taweesin, former Prime Minister. Accompanying him were Khun Pinthongta Shinawatra Kunakornwong and Mr. Natthapong Kunakornwong, her husband, who came to offer close support to the Taweesin and Paladsara families.
The atmosphere inside was simple yet filled with warmth, with prominent figures from government, politics, and the private sector continuously arriving to pay their respects. Particularly, Pheu Thai Party leaders and cabinet ministers attended the ceremony in full attendance, including Mr. Phumtham Wechayachai, Mr. Chusak Sirinil, Ms. Jiraphorn Sindhupr, Mr. Sermsak Pongpanich, Mr. Natthawut Saiyakeua, Mr. Sruang Thienthong, Mr. Chakrapong Saengmanee, and Mr. Pongkawin Jungroongkit.
Besides political leaders, representatives from the country's leading media were also present. Mr. Sarawut Watcharaphol, a senior executive of the Thairath Group, attended the Buddhist rite and presented a wreath to honor Pol. Lt. Gen. Phon Paladsara’s passing.
The attendance of Dr. Thaksin Shinawatra and Pheu Thai leaders was not only a traditional expression of condolences but also highlighted the strong friendship and close ties between the Shinawatra and Taweesin families. Throughout the ceremony, Mr. Srettha Taweesin and Dr. Pakpilai Taweesin personally welcomed distinguished guests, mindful of the friendships among all who came to bid farewell to their father one last time.
