Thailand’s Parliament met Friday to choose the next prime minister from the daughter of the contentious former leader Thaksin Shinawatra. Two days separate this vote from the removal of the former prime minister from office for ethical transgressions. Leading the Pheu Thai party, 37-year-old Paetongtarn is the only nominee for the post. Specifically, the law does not mandate her holding an elected office or attendance during the voting process by the parliament. For the party, her nomination marks a momentous occasion combining young vitality with the continuing impact of her family’s political tradition.
A Legacy Always Continues
Approved, Paetongtarn will follow her aunt Yingluck Shinawatra and father Thaksin to become Thailand’s second female prime minister and third leader from the Shinawatra family. She also stands as the youngest leader in the annals of the nation. Her father, Thaksin, is a big and divisive figure in Thai politics as he was the first politician from Thailand to get an outright majority of votes. A pivotal point was his ouster by a military coup in 2006; he still has a great impact over the Pheu Thai party. Paetongtarn’s possible leadership begs issues regarding the balance of power and the future course of Thailand as the political terrain changes.
Traveling Family Ties
Paetongtarn freely admitted her familial links while on the Pheu Thai campaigning road, but she underlined her independence in decision-making. “It is not the shadow of my dad. Always and always, I am the daughter of my dad; nevertheless, I make my own judgments. Though she tries to demonstrate her autonomy, political experts say it is impossible to ignore the history and impact of her father. Political research fellow Petra Alderman of England’s University of Birmingham pointed out, “Thaksin was a political force to contend with, but he was also a liability. He tends to overplay his political hand, hence serving in his shadow has never been easy.
Political turbulence
The nomination of Paetongtarn followed the departure from office of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. The Constitutional Court declared him guilty of a major ethical transgression in connection with his choice of a Cabinet member with a criminal record. Following the court’s decision to disband the progressive Move Forward party, which had won the general election last year but was denied access to power, this event represented the second significant political upheaval in a week. Since then, the party has reorganized as the People’s Party, highlighting the erratic and changing character of Thai politics.
Looking Ahead
Thailand is about to undergo possible transformation, hence the result of the parliamentary vote can define the political scene of the nation. With her youth and fresh viewpoint highlighting new ideas, Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s leadership could indicate a new chapter for the Shinawatra dynasty. But the shadow of her father’s political past hovers big, and negotiating the convoluted intricacies of Thai politics may prove difficult. Aware that the decisions taken in these chambers could define Thailand’s future for years to come, the world watches as its Parliament debates.
