The coalition government in Thailand has rallied behind Paetongtarn Shinawatra, leader of the Pheu Thai Party, to be the next prime minister. If approved, she will become the youngest prime minister in the country’s history, succeeding Srettha Thavisin, who was dismissed for an ethical violation.
Key Takeaways
- Paetongtarn Shinawatra, 37, is the daughter of former premier Thaksin Shinawatra.
- She would be the third member of the Shinawatra family to hold the prime ministerial role.
- The coalition government has a total of 312 MPs in the 493-seat House.
- A simple majority is required to approve her nomination.
Background
Paetongtarn Shinawatra, 37, is poised to become Thailand’s youngest prime minister if her nomination is approved by the House of Representatives. She is the daughter of former premier Thaksin Shinawatra and would be the third member of the Shinawatra family to hold the position, following her father and her aunt Yingluck Shinawatra. Her nomination comes after the dismissal of Srettha Thavisin by the Constitutional Court for an ethical violation.
Coalition Support
The coalition government, which includes parties such as Bhumjaithai, Palang Pracharath, Chartthaipattana, Prachachat, Chart Pattana Kla, Sereeruamthai, and Thai Ruamphalang, has united behind Paetongtarn. The coalition has a total of 312 MPs in the 493-seat House, and a simple majority is required to approve her nomination.
Selection Process
Initially, it was reported that key coalition figures had decided to choose Chaikasem Nitisiri, a former justice minister and attorney-general, as their candidate. However, opposition to his nomination emerged due to his past support for amending the lese majeste law. This led to the Pheu Thai executive board selecting Paetongtarn as the party’s candidate.
Paetongtarn’s Statement
At a press conference, Paetongtarn expressed her gratitude to the Pheu Thai Party and coalition parties for her nomination. She pledged to do her best to bring the nation out of its economic crisis and expressed regret over the removal of Srettha Thavisin, acknowledging his hard work.
Family and Business Background
Paetongtarn holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Chulalongkorn University and a master’s degree in international hotel management from the University of Surrey in England. She is the largest shareholder of SC Asset Corp and the chief executive for hotel business of Rende Development Co. Before assuming the premier’s role, she will need to relinquish her business roles and comply with share ownership restrictions.
Paetongtarn and her husband, Pitaka Suksawat, have two children. She recently posted a picture of herself having lunch with former PM Srettha Thavisin on her official Instagram account.
Looking Ahead
The House sitting is scheduled to begin at 10am on Friday, where a simple majority of the 493 members is required to approve the new prime minister. Acting prime minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul have both expressed their support for Paetongtarn’s nomination.
Sources
- Bangkok Post – Coalition unites behind Paetongtarn for PM, Bangkok Post.
