Paetongtarn Shinawatra: Thailand’s youngest PM at 37 years old

[reader]

From Thailand News Agency

Youngest child of ex-PM Thaksin carries torch of family’s political dynasty after Srettha Thavisin removed as PM on Wednesday.

Pheu Thai leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra was elected as the 31st prime minister of Thailand during a special session of the House of Representatives on Friday. Paetongtarn received 319 votes for, 145 votes against with 27 abstentions.

Six MPs from the opposition Thai Sang Thai Party voted in support of Paetongtarn.

Notably absent from the vote were Palang Pracharat leader Prawit Wongsuwan and Pheu Thai list MP Chalerm Yoobamrung.

After House Speaker Wan Muhammad Noor Matha opened the session at 10am, Pheu Thai Secretary-General Sorawong Thienthong proposed Paetongtarn as the sole prime ministerial candidate.

The House Speaker will now submit her name for royal endorsement. She becomes the third member of the Shinawatra family to lead the country, after her father Thaksin and aunt Yingluck.

Paetongtarn, 37, is the youngest child of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his ex-wife Khunying Potjaman Damapong.

Education: She attended Saint Joseph Convent School and Mater Dei School before earning a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Sociology, and Anthropology from Chulalongkorn University in 2008. She went on to study in the UK, receiving an MSc in International Hotel Management from the University of Surrey.

Political experience: Paetongtarn was appointed chair of Pheu Thai’s advisory committee on participation and innovation on October 28, 2021.

She became head of the “Pheu Thai Family” project on March 20, 2022.

At the 2023 general election, she was nominated as one of Pheu Thai’s three prime minister candidates, alongside Srettha Thavisin who was removed from office on Wednesday by court order.

Continues at

https://www.nationthailand.com/news/politics/40040623

 

 

[vinapu]

Looks nice but seems that main primeministerial qualification is family name. Not to much for leading 70 million strong nation whose politics as pit of snakes. Lets wait and see.

[reader]

From Khaosod English

Thailand’s New PM Renews the Legacy of Her Father

The election of Paetongtarn Shinawatra as Thailand’s prime minister represents a remarkable back-to-the-future moment. She is renewing the political dynasty founded by her billionaire father, Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted by a military coup in 2006.

The 37-year-old Paetongtarn, a former business executive, becomes the third close member of the Shinawatra clan to take the prime minister’s job. Thaksin’s sister Yingluck Shinawatra was Thailand’s first female prime minister from 2011 to 2014. An in-law also served briefly in 2008.

Although Thaksin was a vastly popular politician who handily won three elections, Thailand’s royalist establishment was disturbed that his populist policies threatened the monarchy at the heart of Thai identity. Their hostility helped drive both him and Yingluck out of office and into exile.

Then last year, Thaksin alienated many of his old supporters with what looked like a self-serving deal with his former conservative foes. It allowed his return from exile and his party to form the new government, but sidelined the progressive Move Forward Party, which finished first in the election but was seen by the establishment as a greater threat.

Continues at

https://www.khaosodenglish.com/politics/2024/08/16/thailands-new-pm-renews-the-legacy-of-her-father-the-divisive-thaksin-shinawatra/

[Keithambrose]

1 hour ago, reader said:

From Khaosod English

Thailand’s New PM Renews the Legacy of Her Father

The election of Paetongtarn Shinawatra as Thailand’s prime minister represents a remarkable back-to-the-future moment. She is renewing the political dynasty founded by her billionaire father, Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted by a military coup in 2006.

The 37-year-old Paetongtarn, a former business executive, becomes the third close member of the Shinawatra clan to take the prime minister’s job. Thaksin’s sister Yingluck Shinawatra was Thailand’s first female prime minister from 2011 to 2014. An in-law also served briefly in 2008.

Although Thaksin was a vastly popular politician who handily won three elections, Thailand’s royalist establishment was disturbed that his populist policies threatened the monarchy at the heart of Thai identity. Their hostility helped drive both him and Yingluck out of office and into exile.

Then last year, Thaksin alienated many of his old supporters with what looked like a self-serving deal with his former conservative foes. It allowed his return from exile and his party to form the new government, but sidelined the progressive Move Forward Party, which finished first in the election but was seen by the establishment as a greater threat.

Continues at

https://www.khaosodenglish.com/politics/2024/08/16/thailands-new-pm-renews-the-legacy-of-her-father-the-divisive-thaksin-shinawatra/

The words 'Banana Republic' come to mind! Although Thaksin was indeed popular, he was also a crook. However, I suppose that merely qualified him for high office in Thailand!

[khaolakguy]

1 hour ago, reader said:

 

Although Thaksin was a vastly popular politician who handily won three elections, Thailand’s royalist establishment was disturbed that his populist policies threatened the monarchy at the heart of Thai identity. Their hostility helped drive both him and Yingluck out of office and into exile.

 

 

So having banned the party that won the last election on the basis that they were a threat to the monarchy, the next step was obviously to restore a dynasty that was previously driven into exile as a threat to the monarchy!

 

[vinapu]

8 minutes ago, Keithambrose said:

The words 'Banana Republic' come to mind! Although Thaksin was indeed popular, he was also a crook. However, I suppose that merely qualified him for high office in Thailand!

I wouldn't single Thailand for having crooks in high office. 

Fully agree with 'banana republic " description although ' banana kingdom ' will be better fit. 

[vinapu]

4 minutes ago, khaolakguy said:

 

So having banned the party that won the last election on the basis that they were a threat to the monarchy, the next step was obviously to restore a dynasty that was previously driven into exile as a threat to the monarchy!

 

one hopes that sarcasm of this situation is not lost on Thai population

[Keithambrose]

27 minutes ago, vinapu said:

I wouldn't single Thailand for having crooks in high office. 

Fully agree with 'banana republic " description although ' banana kingdom ' will be better fit. 

Well pointed out re 'kingdom'!

[TMax]

Now if she and her party listen to daddy and scrap that digital wallet scheme an awful lot of voters will be royally pissed off, it was only a vote buying scheme anyway. 

[Keithambrose]

3 hours ago, TMax said:

Now if she and her party listen to daddy and scrap that digital wallet scheme an awful lot of voters will be royally pissed off, it was only a vote buying scheme anyway. 

Yes, I was thinking that. There seems to be a feeling that Thaksin is getting too big for his boots, and there could be another crackdown.  He still has one outstanding offence open. I suppose it depends on what deal he has done with the army, and he who cannot be named. 

[reader]

From The Nation

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has been granted a royal pardon from his jail terms, allowing him to be released immediately rather than waiting until August 31.

The pardon was among those announced by the Royal Gazette on Saturday. It stated that a Royal Decree was issued to grant a royal pardon to around 50,000 inmates on the auspicious occasion of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn's 6th Cycle Birthday Anniversary on July 28, 2024. 

In a royal command, the King aims to provide these individuals with a chance to reintegrate into society as good citizens, which is believed to benefit the nation as a whole. 

The decree also provides sentence reductions to more than 200,000 prisoners who are currently serving time. According to the Department of Corrections, Thailand has 220,094 prisoners as of August 16, 2024, with 192,898 men and 27,196 women. 

Notably, Thaksin will be among those released immediately under the terms of this decree, allowing him to leave prison before his sentence expires on August 31. 

Thaksin, a probationer, is one of about 7,500 people nationwide who will benefit from this royal pardon, which allows them to be released and receive a certificate of innocence upon leaving prison.

[Keithambrose]

1 minute ago, reader said:

From The Nation

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has been granted a royal pardon from his jail terms, allowing him to be released immediately rather than waiting until August 31.

The pardon was among those announced by the Royal Gazette on Saturday. It stated that a Royal Decree was issued to grant a royal pardon to around 50,000 inmates on the auspicious occasion of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn's 6th Cycle Birthday Anniversary on July 28, 2024. 

In a royal command, the King aims to provide these individuals with a chance to reintegrate into society as good citizens, which is believed to benefit the nation as a whole. 

The decree also provides sentence reductions to more than 200,000 prisoners who are currently serving time. According to the Department of Corrections, Thailand has 220,094 prisoners as of August 16, 2024, with 192,898 men and 27,196 women. 

Notably, Thaksin will be among those released immediately under the terms of this decree, allowing him to leave prison before his sentence expires on August 31. 

Thaksin, a probationer, is one of about 7,500 people nationwide who will benefit from this royal pardon, which allows them to be released and receive a certificate of innocence upon leaving prison.

Strange prison that Thaksin is in, luxurious house, plus playing golf!  Interesting, bearing in mind my comments  above. 

[reader]

From Khaosod English

Prawit’s Political Journey Under Scrutiny After Striking Thai PBS Reporter

The highlight of the political events on Friday, August 16, should have been solely about Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, age 37, receiving an overwhelming 319 votes of approval from the MPs to become the 31st Prime Minister. However, the spotlight also turned to Gen. Prawit Wongsuwan, aka “Big Pom,” leader of the Palang Pracharath Party.

It wasn’t because he was one of the two people, along with Chalerm Yubamrung, an old politician with internal issues with the Pheu Thai Party, who didn’t participate in the vote. Rather, it was because he displayed what appeared to be an angry reaction and used his hand to hit the head of a Thai PBS television reporter twice and loudly said, “What are you asking!” when asked, “How have you been following the Prime Minister election voting?”

As he was limping to get into his car, he lowered the window and asked the reporter what they wanted to ask. The reporter inquired about his view on Ms. Paetongtarn being elected as the Prime Minister. He responded, ‘Oh! I don’t know what you’re asking about,’ before the car drove away.

Continues at

https://www.khaosodenglish.com/politics/2024/08/17/prawits-political-journey-under-scrutiny-after-striking-thai-pbs-reporter/

[reader]

From Khaosod English

Business Leaders Expect Policy Continuity Under New PM

The Thai stock market closed on Friday at 1,330 points, up 13.16 points or 1.2%, after the process of selecting a new Prime Minister in parliament proceeded smoothly. As the only nominee, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, leader of the Pheu Thai Party, received 319 votes in favor, with 145 against and 27 abstentions.

Among the votes in favor, there were 6 additional votes from members of the opposition Thai Sang Thai Party and 2 more votes from smaller parties.

According to Thai media, Prime Minister elect Paetongtarn will likely be formally appointed by HM the King in a ceremony in front of the King’s portrait at Pheu Thai headquarters, Voice Space, around 8.30 p.m. on Sunday, August 18, 2024.

The process of selecting a new Prime Minister to quickly lead to the formation of a cabinet comes after a situation that shook Thai politics. On Wednesday, August 14, Srettha Thavisin was removed from his position by a Constitutional Court decision.

This helped restore confidence in the business sector, which had been disheartened for two days. There is now increased belief that the new government, coming from the same coalition parties, will be able to continue working immediately.

Continues at

https://www.khaosodenglish.com/news/business/2024/08/16/business-leaders-expect-policy-continuity-under-new-pm-paetongtarn/

[reader]

From Bangkok Post

Thai conservatives flex political muscle
WRITER: Aekarach Sattaburuth

Please credit and share this article with others using this link: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/special-reports/2849027/thai-conservatives-flex-political-muscle. View our policies at http://goo.gl/9HgTd and http://goo.gl/ou6Ip. © Bangkok Post PCL. All rights reserved.

The decision to nominate Pheu Thai leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra as the new prime minister signals that Thaksin Shinawatra, the party's de facto leader, will go all out to rebuild a support base to fend off the People's Party (PP), according to a political analyst.

Widely seen as politically inexperienced, Ms Paetongtarn, 37, on Friday won overwhelming support from the House of Representatives to succeed Srettha Thavisin, who was removed from office by the Constitutional Court.

After allying with the conservative parties to form a government last year, Pheu Thai has come to represent what is believed to be a new conservative force that could stand up to the PP, a reincarnation of the progressive Move Forward Party that was dissolved on Aug 7.

Stithorn Thananithichot, director of the Office of Innovation for Democracy at the King Prajadhipok's Institute, said Ms Paetongtarn's rise to power suggests the conservative camp is sticking to its strategy of countering the main opposition party, but this time without relying on a proxy.

It was reported earlier that key coalition figures met at Thaksin's Ban Chan Song La residence on Charan Sanitwong Road in Bangkok on Wednesday evening and agreed to choose Chaikasem Nitisiri, 75, a former justice minister and attorney-general for the top post.

However, on Thursday the Pheu Thai executive board selected Ms Paetongtarn as the party's candidate.

Mr Stithorn said this move is Pheu Thai's last chance to shore up support among voters and regain lost ground. But if the party fails, it may no longer be seen as the best choice to lead the political fight against the PP and a new strategy will be needed.

"This move must work. And the government will have to tread even more carefully, especially when handling issues with potential legal pitfalls. It'd be better not to irk the conservative camp," he said.

Mr Stithorn also said the political climate will intensify from now on due to high expectations, especially with a prime minister from the Shinawatra family.

With local elections around the corner, the contest will be fierce, and parties will use this chance to strengthen their support base ahead of the next general election, he said.

Ms Paetongtarn is the third member of the Shinawatra family to hold the post following Thaksin and his sister Yingluck. Thaksin's brother-in-law Somchai Wongsawat also served as prime minister briefly in 2008.

"They must counter the popularity [of the PP] and retain support from Ban Yai, or political families. The local elections will see a fierce contest between Pheu

A source in the Chartthaipattana Party said Ms Paetongtarn is considered a "safe" choice in the current political situation, where the opposition is weak and in transition.

Moreover, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) is investigating the conduct of 44 former MPs of the now-dissolved MFP who supported a bill to revise Section 112 of the Criminal Code, also known as the lese majeste law.

The source said when the opposition is perceived as weak, it is time to act and choose the most suitable person for the premiership.

With Ms Paetongtarn in office, her key man will be none other than the "former leader" -- implied to be Thaksin -- and a fresh approach is necessary, he added.

Pushing Ms Paetongtarn into the prime minister's position signals the fight against the People's Party will be a high-stakes contest, said the source.

As for Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul, the source said Mr Anutin is unlikely to take on the role of the leader of the conservative camp at this moment.

Adisorn Piengkes, a Pheu Thai list MP, said that both the government and the opposition must re-evaluate their strategy because both have recently suffered political setbacks, referring to the court rulings that dissolved the MFP and removed Mr Srettha from office just one week apart.

He expressed confidence in the party leader's ability and potential, saying she would be able to weather any political storms coming her way with advice from her father and party figures.

Mr Adisorn said the party did not intend to go into a political war with the PP when nominating its leader as the prime minister but rather to fulfil its commitment made during the election campaign.

He added Ms Paetongtarn can help shore up the party's popularity.

Asked about the party's flagship digital wallet policy, he said the new government will make a decision, adding he hopes it will be as meaningful as the universal healthcare programme.

The Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) welcomed the swift decision to nominate Ms Paetongtarn as it could help restore confidence in the country, and as soon as the legal process is completed, it could further enhance such confidence.

Sanan Angubolkul, chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, said the prime minister's age does not matter as much as whether she can demonstrate leadership and the ruling party has the necessary resources to implement policies.

He also said the private sector hopes to see a more collaborative approach from the coalition government under her leadership to ensure stability and unity. The TCC also outlined key areas for the government to focus on in the short term.

First of all, the government should maintain the stability of the Thai baht, which will support the export sector and boost the growth of the tourism industry.

It is important to keep the momentum of tourist arrivals to achieve the target of 36–37 million visitors. This can be achieved by introducing new tourist sites, enhancing safety and proceeding with a plan to promote investments in 10 pilot provinces.

Continues at

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/special-reports/2849027/thai-conservatives-flex-political-muscle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[vinapu]

3 hours ago, reader said:

It was reported earlier that key coalition figures met at Thaksin's Ban Chan Song La residence on Charan Sanitwong Road in Bangkok on Wednesday evening and agreed to choose Chaikasem Nitisiri, 75, a former justice minister and attorney-general for the top post.

 

I wonder, didn't they have somebody older and more experienced ? 

[reader]

From Bangkok Post

The court hearing of lese majeste charges brought against the prime minister's father, Thaksin Shinawatra, was adjourned until July next year after the examination of witness and evidence lists on Monday, according the former prime minister's lawyer Winyat Chartmontree.

Mr Winyat said the Criminal Court court would hear from witnesses in seven sessions scheduled for next July. He also expected the court to deliver its ruling next year.

Thaksin was ready to attend all the hearings, and to prove he had no intention of insulting the royal institution, Mr Winyat said after Monday's hearing, which was closed to the public.

Witnesses for Thaksin would include a Thai-speaking Korean interpreter and a lawyer who was an important person, Mr  Winyat  said. The given translation of Thaksin’s interview into Thai was incomplete, and there was just one problematic English word that led to the allegation brought against his client, the lawyer said.

Continues at

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/politics/2849696/thaksin-lese-majeste-court-case-adjourned-to-next-year

 

Please credit and share this article with others using this link: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/politics/2849696/thaksin-lese-majeste-court-case-adjourned-to-next-year. View our policies at http://goo.gl/9HgTd and http://goo.gl/ou6Ip. © Bangkok Post PCL. All rights reserved.

 

[vinapu]

4 hours ago, reader said:

From Bangkok Post

The court hearing of lese majeste charges brought against the prime minister's father, Thaksin Shinawatra, was adjourned until July next year....

as it would be a case if anybody else were charged with such infraction, after all everybody is treated the same  by legal system , no ?

[Keithambrose]

3 hours ago, vinapu said:

as it would be a case if anybody else were charged with such infraction, after all everybody is treated the same  by legal system , no ?

Of course, how could you doubt it? Possibly  you are also insulting  the Royal family! Tread carefully....

[reader]

From The Nation

The new cabinet under Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is still a Pheu Thai-led government and will seamlessly continue ongoing programmes started by former PM Srettha Thavisin, a Pheu Thai Party source said on Monday.

Paetongtarn, who was sworn in as 31st PM on Sunday, called a meeting with party executives and strategy teams at Pheu Thai headquarters on Monday, with Srettha also attending the session.

Srettha last week was removed as PM by the Constitutional Court’s order, citing a lack of integrity after he had appointed an unqualified person to the Cabinet.

The source said the meeting explored the progress of projects that the government under Srettha has carried out in the past year, with focus on flagship campaigns like the digital wallet that aim to stimulate the economy.

The source added that Paetongtarn is working to make sure that the scheme’s framework is within the fiscal discipline, and is considering suggestions made by several parties.

The meeting discussed risks raised by concerned parties over the 450-billion-baht handout scheme, which include:

1. Legal risks: The scheme could violate the Currency Act of 1958, which stipulates that the campaign must have adequate funds to support it when it starts.

2. Fiscal risks: The loans to fund the scheme could drive public debt per GDP ratio to exceed the limit of 70%, as stipulated by the State Fiscal and Financial Disciplines Act of 2018.

3. Risks of corruption.

4. Risks from lack of system’s readiness, as the scheme will use a new payment platform that links with participating banks via the open loop system, which is a complicated technology.

The source added that Pheu Thai is also looking at candidates outside the party to help strengthen its economic team to tackle current economic problems, which are the party’s top priority.

 

[reader]

From Bangkok Post

A group of lawyers and university law lecturers have criticised the Constitutional Court's recent rulings to dissolve the Move Forward Party (MFP) and dismiss Srettha Thavisin as prime minister.

The group, comprising 134 law experts, released a statement critical of the court for allegedly overstepping its power, which could potentially undermine the country's system of checks and balances.

The statement refers to the two rulings: one made on Aug 7, in which the Constitutional Court ordered the MFP to be disbanded for attempting to subvert the constitutional monarchy and 11 party executives to be banned from politics for ten years. The other was passed on Aug 14 against Mr Srettha for appointing ex-convict Pichit Chuenban as a cabinet minister.

The experts said they disagreed with both rulings, which they attributed to the court's interpretation of related laws. This interpretation is inconsistent with the laws' basic principle and could endanger the rule of democracy.

The legal experts outlined four reasons to counter the rulings.

First, they maintained that the court may have overstretched its authority, which resulted in the MFP being dissolved, its executives facing a political ban, and Mr Srettha being removed from the premiership. They insisted that if the law was applied to curtail a person's rights, it must be done restrictively and cautiously.

In the MFP case, the court determined its authority goes so far as covering its judgement of crucial issues such as the party's policy administration and legislative amendment power.

In the Srettha case, the court insisted the scope of a prime minister's dishonest and unethical acts extend over their reckless nomination of a person with questionable qualifications, a reference to Mr Pichit, as a cabinet minister.

Second, the Constitutional Court did not permit the accused to fully and fairly present evidence and witnesses in their own defence.

The court accepted certain pieces of evidence and witnesses in the MFP case. However, the court did not allow the party to testify or counter accusations during the proceedings.

Third, by judging the MFP guilty of acting to undermine the constitutional monarchy, the court has expanded its authority beyond its limit and may be deemed to be asserting a role of keeping the lawmakers in check, which obstructs the checks and balances between the legislative, executive and the judicial branches.

Disrupted checks and balances could imperil the protection of people's rights and freedom and the independence of lawmakers in doing their duty, according to the statement.

Lastly, the experts felt the rulings have dented public confidence, both at home and abroad, in the country's legal system and democratic rule.

 

 

[Keithambrose]

9 hours ago, reader said:

From Bangkok Post

A group of lawyers and university law lecturers have criticised the Constitutional Court's recent rulings to dissolve the Move Forward Party (MFP) and dismiss Srettha Thavisin as prime minister.

The group, comprising 134 law experts, released a statement critical of the court for allegedly overstepping its power, which could potentially undermine the country's system of checks and balances.

The statement refers to the two rulings: one made on Aug 7, in which the Constitutional Court ordered the MFP to be disbanded for attempting to subvert the constitutional monarchy and 11 party executives to be banned from politics for ten years. The other was passed on Aug 14 against Mr Srettha for appointing ex-convict Pichit Chuenban as a cabinet minister.

The experts said they disagreed with both rulings, which they attributed to the court's interpretation of related laws. This interpretation is inconsistent with the laws' basic principle and could endanger the rule of democracy.

The legal experts outlined four reasons to counter the rulings.

First, they maintained that the court may have overstretched its authority, which resulted in the MFP being dissolved, its executives facing a political ban, and Mr Srettha being removed from the premiership. They insisted that if the law was applied to curtail a person's rights, it must be done restrictively and cautiously.

In the MFP case, the court determined its authority goes so far as covering its judgement of crucial issues such as the party's policy administration and legislative amendment power.

In the Srettha case, the court insisted the scope of a prime minister's dishonest and unethical acts extend over their reckless nomination of a person with questionable qualifications, a reference to Mr Pichit, as a cabinet minister.

Second, the Constitutional Court did not permit the accused to fully and fairly present evidence and witnesses in their own defence.

The court accepted certain pieces of evidence and witnesses in the MFP case. However, the court did not allow the party to testify or counter accusations during the proceedings.

Third, by judging the MFP guilty of acting to undermine the constitutional monarchy, the court has expanded its authority beyond its limit and may be deemed to be asserting a role of keeping the lawmakers in check, which obstructs the checks and balances between the legislative, executive and the judicial branches.

Disrupted checks and balances could imperil the protection of people's rights and freedom and the independence of lawmakers in doing their duty, according to the statement.

Lastly, the experts felt the rulings have dented public confidence, both at home and abroad, in the country's legal system and democratic rule.

 

 

All fine, but, unfortunately,  those in control 'don't give a damn', as Rhett Butler famously said.

[reader]

2 hours ago, Keithambrose said:

All fine, but, unfortunately,  those in control 'don't give a damn', as Rhett Butler famously said.

Since the criticism is coming from well-established colleagues, he may give a bit more of a damn today.

Even Rhett Butler's life ended in scandal and disillusion.

[Keithambrose]

55 minutes ago, reader said:

Since the criticism is coming from well-established colleagues, he may give a bit more of a damn today.

Even Rhett Butler's life ended in scandal and disillusion.

I wonder. I hope you are right, but I don't think that the army, or he who can't be named, are influenced  by academics. Still I read that General Prawit may be in a spot of bother with his party, so perhaps there is some hope!