27-10-2023 (BANGKOK) In a significant development, Thailand’s ruling party, Pheu Thai, has elected Paetongtarn Shinawatra as its new leader. Paetongtarn, the youngest daughter of the billionaire former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, secured her position unopposed, marking a pivotal moment in her political career, which began two years ago.
Thaksin Shinawatra, a central and somewhat divisive figure in recent Thai political history, made a notable return to Thailand in August after 15 years of self-imposed exile. His exile had been the result of his ousting in a 2006 coup.
Addressing party members and reporters, Paetongtarn expressed her commitment to revitalizing Pheu Thai, with the aim of regaining its position as the foremost choice for the people. She made this statement while donning a red suit, the signature color of the party.
At 37 years of age, Paetongtarn played a prominent role in Pheu Thai’s campaign during the general election held in May. Her leadership role is expected to bring a wave of modernization to the party.
Pheu Thai is the latest incarnation of the political movement originally founded by her father. However, in the May election, the party found itself in second place, behind the emerging progressive Move Forward Party. This result came as a surprise to a political movement that had previously dominated Thai elections since 2001.
During the party’s general meeting on Friday, Paetongtarn received 289 votes, with only one abstention. Yuttaporn Issrachai, a political analyst, noted that this appointment follows the traditional “family-run style” of Pheu Thai. He believes that while there is an attempt to modernize the party, its core identity remains rooted in the Shinawatra family.
On the other hand, Phumtham Wechayachai, the deputy leader of Pheu Thai, defended Paetongtarn’s selection, emphasizing that her qualifications were the primary criteria. He clarified that her surname was not the sole basis for her leadership role, stating, “It’s not because of her surname. We select people based purely on their qualifications.”
