Vote to Determine Thailand’s New Leader Set for Friday
Thai lawmakers are set to vote on Friday to decide whether Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the 37-year-old daughter of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, will become the country’s next prime minister. If elected, Paetongtarn will be the third member of the Shinawatra family to hold the top office and the youngest leader in Thailand’s history as a constitutional monarchy.
Family Legacy and Political History
Paetongtarn’s rise follows in the footsteps of her father and aunt, both of whom served as prime ministers before being ousted. Thaksin Shinawatra, her father, was removed from power in a 2006 coup but continues to wield significant influence in Thai politics. Her aunt, Yingluck Shinawatra, served as prime minister from 2011 to 2014 before being forced out by a court ruling. Paetongtarn is the fourth member of her family to seek the prime ministership and the second woman after her aunt.
Political Turmoil and Recent Developments
The vote on Paetongtarn’s candidacy comes after the Constitutional Court ousted former prime minister Srettha Thavisin on Wednesday for appointing a cabinet minister with a criminal conviction. Srettha, a real estate mogul, held office for less than a year, becoming the third Pheu Thai prime minister to be removed by the court. His removal followed a week of intense political activity, including the dissolution of the Move Forward Party, which had been pushing for significant democratic reforms.
Challenges Ahead
Paetongtarn’s nomination by the Pheu Thai party follows frantic negotiations and the support of the coalition’s third-largest party, Bhumjaithai. She will need to secure at least 247 votes from the 493 members of parliament to become prime minister. Despite her family’s political prominence, Paetongtarn faces significant challenges, including a deeply divided political landscape and the recent return of her father, Thaksin, from 15 years in exile after making a controversial deal with the military establishment.
Paetongtarn, who has no prior experience in government, helped run the hotel division of her family’s business empire before entering politics three years ago. Her candidacy symbolizes the enduring influence of the Shinawatra family in Thai politics, even as the nation continues to grapple with political instability.
Broader Implications
The outcome of Friday’s vote will determine not only the direction of Thailand’s government but also the fate of the fragile coalition between the Pheu Thai party and its former enemies in the military. As Thailand prepares for its youngest leader, the nation’s future remains uncertain amid ongoing political turbulence.