Paetongtarn Shinawatra Seeks Thai Premiership Amid Political Turmoil
Paetongtarn Shinawatra, daughter of former PM Thaksin, aims to become Thailand's youngest premier in a crucial vote. She faces economic challenges and a complex political landscape shaped by recent court rulings.
In a pivotal moment for Thai politics, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the 37-year-old daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, is poised to bid for the position of Thailand's youngest premier in a critical parliamentary vote on August 16, 2024. This development comes amidst ongoing political turmoil and recent court rulings that have reshaped the country's political landscape.
Thailand's political arena has been marked by instability for over two decades, with the country experiencing 13 successful coups since 1932 and adopting 20 constitutions during this period. The upcoming vote follows the dismissal of Paetongtarn's ally, Srettha Thavisin, by the judiciary, highlighting the persistent power struggle between populist forces and the conservative establishment.
If successful, Paetongtarn Shinawatra would become Thailand's second female prime minister and the third member of the Shinawatra family to hold the position. Her father, Thaksin Shinawatra, and aunt, Yingluck Shinawatra, both previously served as prime ministers before being ousted from power.
The Pheu Thai Party, founded in 2008 as a successor to the People's Power Party, faces significant challenges. In 2023, the party experienced its first election defeat in over two decades, forcing it to form a coalition government with former political adversaries. This alliance now holds 314 seats in parliament, requiring the approval of more than half of the current 493 lawmakers for Paetongtarn to secure the premiership.
Economic concerns loom large for the potential new prime minister. Thailand's economy, heavily reliant on exports and tourism, which contributes about 20% to its GDP, has been struggling. The Pheu Thai Party's flagship cash handout program, valued at 500 billion baht ($14.25 billion), has yet to be implemented, adding pressure to deliver on campaign promises.
Paetongtarn Shinawatra addressed these concerns, stating:
"It has only been one year ... I will push all the Pheu Thai policies for success. We are determined and ready to push the country forward."
[[Paetongtarn Shinawatra on economic policies]]
The political climate in Thailand remains hostile, with a cycle of coups and court rulings that have disbanded political parties and toppled governments. The Constitutional Court has played a significant role in this process, dissolving several political parties since 2006. Most recently, the court ordered the dissolution of the Move Forward Party, the winner of the 2023 election, over its campaign to amend the country's strict lèse-majesté law.
As Thailand grapples with these political challenges, it also faces demographic shifts. The country has a rapidly aging population, with over 20% expected to be 65 or older by 2031. This demographic trend could have significant implications for economic policies and social welfare programs in the coming years.
The outcome of this parliamentary vote will not only determine Thailand's immediate political future but also potentially impact its role in the region. As one of the founding members of ASEAN in 1967, Thailand's stability and economic performance have broader implications for Southeast Asia.
As the nation watches this unfolding political drama, the resilience of Thai democracy and its institutions will once again be put to the test. The coming days will reveal whether Paetongtarn Shinawatra can navigate the complex political landscape and lead Thailand towards stability and economic recovery.
