Paetongtarn Shinawatra Nominated for Thai Prime Minister as Coalition Backs Pheu Thai Leader

Thailand’s ruling Pheu Thai Party has announced the nomination of its 37-year-old leader, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, for prime minister, following the removal of Srettha Thavisin by the Constitutional Court. The parliament is set to vote on her nomination today.

The nomination was confirmed on Thursday by the coalition parties, who hold 314 seats in the 500-member House of Representatives. Barring any defections, Paetongtarn is expected to become Thailand’s second female prime minister and the youngest head of government in Asia. Paetongtarn is the daughter of Thaksin Shinawatra, the influential former prime minister and Pheu Thai party boss.

In a press conference, Paetongtarn expressed her commitment to continuing Pheu Thai’s policies, emphasizing the need to overcome the economic crisis. “Our country must move on,” she said.

The decision to nominate Paetongtarn came after discussions among coalition parties at Thaksin’s home on Wednesday night. The goal was to maintain stability and restore the cabinet that was dismissed following Srettha’s removal.

Under Thai law, only candidates nominated during the May 2023 general election are eligible for the prime ministership. Pheu Thai had originally nominated Srettha, Paetongtarn, and legal scholar Chaikasem Nitisiri. However, Chaikasem’s health issues and legal concerns left Paetongtarn as the party’s only viable option.

Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of Bhumjaithai, the second-largest party in the coalition, announced on Thursday that his party would support the Pheu Thai candidate.

Srettha Thavisin’s removal on Wednesday was unexpected, as the court ruled 5-4 that he had committed an ethical breach by appointing Pichit Chuenban, a lawyer convicted of bribery, to the cabinet in April. Srettha’s appointment as prime minister in August 2023 was part of a broader political agreement between conservative parties and Thaksin Shinawatra, who returned from exile on the same day to face corruption charges.

Pheu Thai had taken charge of key economic ministries, including commerce and finance, under Srettha’s leadership. His tenure saw the launch of a digital wallet handout, a signature campaign promise, but the project faced legal and budgetary challenges. With Srettha’s removal, party insiders suggest that the new government may abandon the digital wallet initiative in favor of simpler stimulus measures.

During Thursday’s press conference, Paetongtarn declined to discuss the digital wallet program or specific policies, reserving details for after the parliamentary vote.

Srettha, who entered politics from a successful business background, struggled to revive Thailand’s sluggish economy during his brief time in office. His removal has sparked calls for constitutional reforms, with the opposition People’s Party criticizing the court’s decision as an overreach of power.

The upcoming vote on Paetongtarn’s nomination marks a critical moment in Thailand’s political landscape, as the country navigates its ongoing economic challenges and the shifting dynamics within its ruling coalition.