Daughter of Former Thai Prime Minister to be Nominated New PM
Paetongtarn Shinawatra, daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, will be nominated as Thailand’s new prime minister in a parliamentary vote scheduled for Friday, The Associated Press reports.
The announcement comes following the exit of previous Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin on Wednesday due to an ethical violation.
The 11-party coalition, led by Paetongtarn’s populist Pheu Thai party, declared their support for her candidacy after her nomination was announced by the party’s secretary-general, Sorawong Thienthong. Paetongtarn expressed gratitude for the coalition’s support.
“I have confidence in Pheu Thai. I have confidence in all government coalition parties to bring our country out of the economic crisis,” she said, referencing Pheu Thai’s campaign focus on improving Thailand’s sluggish economy.
If approved, Paetongtarn will become Thailand’s second female prime minister and the third leader from the Shinawatra family, following her father and aunt Yingluck Shinawatra.
Srettha was removed after less than a year in power after the Constitutional Court found him guilty of an ethical breach related to the appointment of a Cabinet member facing bribery allegations.
The announcement comes amid turbulency in the Asian nation’s politics. Last week, the Constitutional Court dissolved the progressive Move Forward party, which won last year’s general election, citing violations of the constitution regarding a proposed amendment to the law against defaming the royal family.
The party has since regrouped as the People’s Party and announced they will not vote for Paetongtarn’s candidacy on Friday, reaffirming their role as the opposition.
