Thailand’s Parliament assembled on Friday to nominate a new prime minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the daughter of the controversial former leader Thaksin Shinawatra. The vote was scheduled following the recent removal of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin due to an ethics violation.
Paetongtarn, aged 37, leads the Pheu Thai party, despite not currently holding an elected position, which is not a prerequisite for prime ministerial candidates according to the law. If approved in the parliamentary vote, she would become Thailand’s second female prime minister and the third leader from the Shinawatra family – following her father and aunt, Yingluck Shinawatra – making her the youngest leader in the country.
Thaksin Shinawatra, a prominent figure in Thai politics who was ousted by a military coup in 2006, remains influential in the Pheu Thai party. Paetongtarn has emphasized her independence from her father, stating that she makes her own decisions despite her family connections. However, political research fellow Petra Alderman believes that working under Thaksin’s shadow poses challenges due to his strong influence.
Paetongtarn’s nomination comes after Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin was removed from office for an ethics breach related to a cabinet appointment. The Constitutional Court’s decision to dissolve the progressive Move Forward party, which had won the previous election, has also significantly impacted Thailand’s political landscape.
The appointment of a new prime minister is crucial in navigating Thailand’s political complexities. With the dissolution of Move Forward and the exclusion of reformist parties, the leading coalition under Paetongtarn’s leadership aims to maintain unity. Analysts believe that Paetongtarn’s direct connection to her influential father could streamline decision-making and minimize factionalism within the coalition.
As Thailand enters a new phase of political maneuvering, the ongoing power struggles and strategic alliances among major parties continue to shape the country’s leadership dynamics. The outcome of the parliamentary vote for Paetongtarn Shinawatra will not only determine the country’s next leader but also set the course for Thailand’s future political landscape.
