On an eventful Friday, the House of Representatives convened to write a new chapter in Thailand’s political saga, electing Pheu Thai Party leader Paetongtarn “Ung Ing” Shinawatra as the 31st prime minister. With 139 votes in favor, 145 against, and 27 abstentions, Paetongtarn clinched the title, marking a significant victory amid a swirl of political drama and family legacy.
The morning kicked off with Sorawong Thiengthong, Pheu Thai’s secretary-general, seizing the moment to nominate Paetongtarn as the prime ministerial candidate. When Parliament President Wan Muhamad Noor Matha struck the gavel at 10 a.m., the floor was set for political fireworks. The motion garnered robust support from 291 MPs. Although Paetongtarn, 37, was conspicuously absent, her candidacy was fervently debated before the voting commenced at precisely 11:11 a.m. The final tally was officially declared at 12:34 p.m.
Out of the 493 elected House representatives, Paetongtarn needed a simple majority of 248 votes. With 489 MPs present in the chamber, the anticipation was palpable as votes were tallied. In the end, the young political maven stepped into history, succeeding Srettha Thavisin, who had been dismissed just days earlier from his premiership by the Constitutional Court for ethical violations.
Paetongtarn joins the ranks of political royalty as the third Shinawatra to helm the country’s leadership, following in the footsteps of her father, Thaksin Shinawatra, and her aunt, Yingluck Shinawatra. The Shinawatra dynasty has long been intertwined with Thai politics, their stories marred by both triumph and tribulation. Thaksin, notable for his tenure as prime minister from 2001-2006, returned to Thailand last August only to be slapped with an eight-year prison sentence, which was swiftly whittled down to one year on a royal pardon. Yet, he spent no time behind bars, instead being granted parole after a six-month hospital stay.
Interestingly, the parties in the coalition government had rallied behind Paetongtarn’s candidacy on Thursday. Insider reports revealed that coalition stalwarts had converged at Thaksin’s residence on Wednesday evening, initially contemplating Chaikasem Nitisiri, a venerable 75-year-old former justice minister and attorney-general, as a possible candidate.
To ascend the prime ministerial throne, a candidate must secure over half of the current 493 lawmakers—248 votes to be precise. Should they fall short, a repeat performance in the House is required, including the re-nomination of candidates. The coalition government, boasting an impressive 314 seats, seemed set on ensuring Paetongtarn’s victory.
The previous prime minister, Srettha, was ousted by the Constitutional Court for appointing Pichit Chuenban, who lugged around a tainted past, as PM’s Office minister. Pichit had once been charged with attempting to bribe Supreme Court officials and served a six-month stint for contempt of court—a blemish that proved to be Srettha’s undoing.
Meanwhile, the opposition, led by Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut of the People’s Party, dug in their heels, abstaining from the vote. The Democrat Party, holding 25 MPs, also mirrored this stance by opting out. The People’s Party, rebranded from the dissolved Move Forward Party, found itself thrust back into the opposition after a Constitutional Court ruling last week accused it of endangering the constitutional monarchy and national security. Despite their electrifying win in the 2023 election, Move Forward’s ambition to form a government foundered on the rocks of opposition from unelected senators over lese-majeste law amendments.
Interestingly enough, Friday’s vote needed only MPs’ endorsements—senators’ votes were off the table. As the dust settles, Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s ascent to Thailand’s highest political office signals both a nod to her family’s storied legacy and a potentially transformative chapter for the nation.
Another Shinawatra in power? Seems like Thailand is stuck in a political loop!
It’s more of a legacy than a loop. The Shinawatras have been influential for decades.
But isn’t it dangerous to let one family dominate politics like this?
Well, sometimes stability is found in continuity. Especially if people trust the name.
Trust or hope? There’s a difference. They could be banking on the family’s past popularity.
True, popularity isn’t always a measure of capability. Only time will tell if Paetongtarn can truly lead.
Interesting how Srettha was ousted for ethical violations, yet the Shinawatra family has quite the controversial history themselves.
Ethical violations are common among leaders. It’s about how they handle them.
Ethics in politics? Sounds like an oxymoron to me. They always find ways to bend the rules.
True. I just wonder if people forget too quickly or choose to ignore.
I find it unfair that unelected senators can have so much control over elected officials. Democracy should be about the people’s choice.
Well, those senators are in place to ensure there’s a balance. Otherwise, what’s stopping a populist takeover?
But isn’t a populist leader a reflection of the people’s voice? We can’t ignore that.
A reflection, yes, but it’s also risky. Sometimes checks and balances are necessary to avoid extreme shifts.
Paetongtarn’s victory seems orchestrated with all those MPs conspiring at Thaksin’s residence. Can we really call this a fair election?
Many political moves happen behind closed doors. Power plays are part of the game.
Yes, but it leaves a bad taste. Transparency should be paramount in politics.
Why would the opposition abstain? They missed a chance to truly oppose and change things.
Maybe they knew their efforts would be in vain. Abstaining could be a strategic move too.
Still, feels like they just gave up without trying.
The Shinawatra dynasty’s influence is undeniable, but is it good for Thailand’s future?
Thailand is just another example of how political dynasties can dominate. It’s not unique to them.
Srettha’s downfall seems more about who he associated with. Politics is all about who you align yourself with.
If people want Paetongtarn, then let her lead. Democracy means respecting the majority’s choice.
The People’s Party becoming opposition again shows how volatile Thai politics are. Can they ever find stability?
Why doesn’t anyone talk about Chaikasem Nitisiri? Maybe an older, experienced leader would’ve been a better choice.
Age doesn’t always equal effectiveness. Sometimes fresh perspectives are needed.
Thailand’s political landscape is fascinating. This could be a study in power dynamics and legacy politics.
What about Thaksin’s parole? It seems hypocritical that he’s still so influential despite his conviction.
Power and money can buy anything, even leniency. It’s the reality of global politics.
Why were senators’ votes off the table this time? Doesn’t this undermine the legitimacy of Paetongtarn’s win?
With none of the unelected officials having a say, this could be a more people-powered decision.
It certainly makes it seem more democratic, but was it just a calculated move?
Does anyone else think Paetongtarn could be a puppet for Thaksin? Powerful figures behind the scenes are concerning.
Paetongtarn’s election is historic, but it could just be the same old politics played by a new face. I hope she brings real change.
The Shinawatras always manage to stay relevant, but is their influence good for Thailand?
Their policies have had mixed results. Some successes, some controversies.
How can anyone govern effectively with a prison sentence and hospital stays hanging over their head?
It’s a façade. Power moves are made regardless of health or legal troubles.
True, but it still raises questions about ethics and governance.