Pheu Thai, a major political party in Thailand, has surprised many by announcing that the youngest daughter of its founder, Thaksin Shinawatra, will be its candidate for prime minister. This decision goes against the expectations of political analysts who believed that Thaksin would delay his political dynasty and protect his daughter from the harsh realm of Thai politics. Thaksin, a former telecoms magnate, previously served as prime minister but was ousted in a coup, fueling a long-standing rivalry with the elite class in Thailand.
Thailand has experienced political upheaval in recent years, with two Shinawatra-led governments being overthrown in coups. Thaksin’s efforts to disrupt established patronage networks and address social inequalities were met with resistance from powerful elites with extensive connections. The ongoing struggles within the political arena have also had an impact on the country’s economy, which has been underperforming. The new prime minister candidate, Paetongtarn, will need to navigate this complex landscape and work towards reviving the economy with stimulus measures.
One of the stimulus measures proposed by the current government, led by Srettha, is a plan to provide 10,000 baht (US$285) handouts to 50 million people. However, the political uncertainty surrounding the surprise decision to field Paetongtarn as the prime minister candidate may raise concerns about the implementation of such measures. The alliance of 11 parties backing Pheu Thai will need to remain intact in order for Paetongtarn to secure enough support in parliament, as she requires the approval of more than half of the house to become prime minister.
Despite the widespread assumption that Paetongtarn will be a mere puppet of Thaksin, who has claimed to have retired from politics, she will face numerous challenges if elected as prime minister. Thaksin’s return to Thailand after 15 years in exile has not convinced many that he has truly stepped away from politics. Given the history of Thaksin’s influence over Pheu Thai and its policies, Paetongtarn will need to demonstrate her independence and ability to govern effectively in order to gain the trust of both the Thai people and the international community.
Overall, the surprise gamble by Pheu Thai to nominate Paetongtarn as its prime minister candidate reflects the party’s determination to challenge the status quo in Thai politics. By defying expectations and opting for a younger, relatively inexperienced candidate, Pheu Thai is making a bold statement about its commitment to change and reform. However, the road ahead for Paetongtarn will be fraught with obstacles and obstacles, as she navigates the complex web of Thai politics and seeks to revive a struggling economy. Only time will tell whether this gamble will pay off for Pheu Thai and its supporters.
