SURPRISE GAMBLE
Pheu Thai’s decision will come as a surprise to some political analysts who had expected heavyweight Thaksin, Pheu Thai’s founder and figurehead, would delay his political dynasty and shield his youngest daughter from Thailand’s cutthroat politics for a little longer.
Pheu Thai and its predecessors have borne the brunt of the tumult, with two Shinawatra governments ousted in coups in a long-running grudge match that began when former telecoms magnate Thaksin tried to upend established patronage networks, angering elites with far-reaching connections.
Uncertainty about political upheaval could add more strain to an underperforming economy that Srettha had hoped to revive with a raft of stimulus measures, some that could now be in question, including his vaunted plan to give 10,000 baht (US$285) handouts to 50 million people.
Provided the 11-party alliance stays intact, Paetongtarn should have no difficulty in winning the vote in parliament where the coalition holds 314 seats, nearly two-thirds of the current 493 lawmakers. The approval of more than half of the house is required to become prime minister.
If elected, Paetongtarn has multiple challenges to overcome, including assumptions that she will be a puppet of Thaksin, whose claims to have retired from politics since his return after 15 years abroad have fallen on deaf ears.
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Publish date : 2024-08-15 12:44:00
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