Bangkok, August 18, 2024, The Europe Today: In a significant political development, the Pheu Thai Party has nominated Paetongtarn Shinawatra as the new Prime Minister, a move widely interpreted as a calculated effort by Thaksin Shinawatra, the party’s de facto leader, to strengthen the party’s position and counter the rising influence of the People’s Party (PP). According to a prominent political analyst, this decision reflects Pheu Thai’s resolve to rebuild its support base in the face of growing challenges.
Ms. Paetongtarn, 37, known for her limited political experience, received overwhelming support from the House of Representatives on Friday, following the removal of Srettha Thavisin from office by the Constitutional Court. This nomination marks a crucial step for Pheu Thai, which has aligned itself with conservative factions since forming a coalition government last year. The party’s shift is seen as an attempt to assert itself as a conservative force capable of standing against the PP, which emerged as a successor to the dissolved Move Forward Party on August 7.
Stithorn Thananithichot, Director of the Office of Innovation for Democracy at the King Prajadhipok’s Institute, remarked that Ms. Paetongtarn’s elevation to the premiership is indicative of the conservative camp’s continued strategy to confront the opposition without relying on a proxy. This strategy was reinforced after key coalition figures convened at Thaksin’s residence in Bangkok on Wednesday, initially favoring Chaikasem Nitisiri, a former justice minister, for the top position. However, the Pheu Thai executive board ultimately selected Ms. Paetongtarn as the party’s candidate on Thursday.
Mr. Stithorn emphasized that this decision represents Pheu Thai’s final opportunity to regain voter confidence and reclaim its political standing. Failure to do so may undermine the party’s credibility as the leading force against the PP, necessitating a reassessment of its strategy.
“This move must succeed,” Mr. Stithorn warned, noting that the government must exercise greater caution, particularly in navigating legal challenges to avoid alienating its conservative allies. The analyst also predicted a heightened political climate, with high expectations surrounding Ms. Paetongtarn’s leadership, given her family’s legacy in Thai politics.
As local elections approach, the political contest is expected to intensify, with parties vying to consolidate their support bases ahead of the next general election. Ms. Paetongtarn is the third member of the Shinawatra family to assume the prime ministerial role, following her father Thaksin and her aunt Yingluck. Her uncle, Somchai Wongsawat, also briefly served as prime minister in 2008.
“The competition will be fierce, especially between Pheu Thai, the Bhumjaithai Party, and the PP,” Mr. Stithorn concluded. “This will be a critical test of Pheu Thai’s ability to counter the PP’s popularity and maintain its influence among the political families of Ban Yai.”
