Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed heartfelt gratitude to her supporters following the announcement of the election results on May 14 of the previous year. In that election, the Pheu Thai party finished second behind Move Forward on a national level and secured only one of the 33 seats available in Bangkok. Paetongtarn is now at the helm of a newly assembled party team with a mission to rekindle the popularity of Pheu Thai among Bangkok’s electorate. (Photo: Apichart Jinakul)
Pheu Thai’s leader, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, has recently embraced another pivotal role within the party. She has been appointed to chair a dedicated panel aimed at rejuvenating the party’s influence in Bangkok. This appointment comes in the wake of last year’s dramatic election where Move Forward overshadowed other parties, including Pheu Thai.
On Thursday, Ms. Paetongtarn formalized her commitment by signing an order to establish a panel tasked with crafting political strategies for MPs and Bangkok Metropolitan councillors. This panel will also be responsible for monitoring their performance and providing guidance. Leading this 15-member panel, Paetongtarn is supported by four seasoned party executives who will serve as advisers.
The electoral dynamics of Bangkok shifted significantly during the May 14 election, with Move Forward capturing 32 out of the capital’s 33 seats, leaving just one for Pheu Thai after a thorough vote recount. This clean sweep underscored the challenges faced by Pheu Thai and other trailing parties.
The Shinawatra legacy continues with Paetongtarn’s father, Thaksin, relentlessly advocating for a political resurgence for Pheu Thai. Despite parole restrictions that bar him from political engagements, the former prime minister remains undeterred. Just last Wednesday, he vocalized his unwavering resolve to reclaim all available seats in Nonthaburi, a neighboring province to Bangkok, during the upcoming elections.
During a spirited birthday celebration for Nonthaburi’s 79-year-old mayor, Somnuek Thantadechakul, Thaksin proclaimed, “We will sweep all the seats in Nonthaburi. Someone took them all, but rest assured, we will reclaim every single one.” This declaration galvanized the gathered supporters, igniting a wave of optimism and determination within the party.
It is worth noting that Move Forward also delivered a decisive victory in Nonthaburi during the last election, claiming all eight seats and leaving Pheu Thai and its competitors lagging far behind. Nonthaburi, once known as a stronghold for Pheu Thai, now represents a critical battleground that holds substantial symbolic and strategic significance for the party’s future ambitions.
Paetongtarn taking the lead in Pheu Thai is just another attempt of the Shinawatra family to maintain control. It’s time for new faces.
But isn’t that stability in leadership what Pheu Thai needs right now? Paetongtarn has the experience!
Experience, maybe, but also the same old political games. The last election showed people want change.
Exactly, the last election was a clear sign that people are tired of dynastic politics.
Move Forward’s win was a breath of fresh air. More power to diversity!
True, but it takes more than winning once to sustain change. Let’s see if Move Forward can keep it going.
The Shinawatra family has historically been very influential in Thai politics. Paetongtarn might bring back some much-needed cohesion within Pheu Thai.
I think Pheu Thai got too comfortable and now they have to play catch up. It’s not just about leadership; it’s about updating their policies!
Paetongtarn’s strategy will be crucial. She needs to modernize the party to appeal to young voters.
Absolutely! Politicians can’t keep relying on past glories to win elections.
Honestly, I’d rather see new faces over the same old political family.
But sometimes ‘new faces’ means inexperienced candidates who can’t deliver. Is that a risk worth taking?
Good point, Nancy. Maybe a mix of experienced and fresh faces is the answer.
Bangkok voters seemed to have made a clear statement. Pheu Thai needs a serious overhaul if they want to come back strong.
Overhaul in terms of what, though? Policies or leadership? Both?
Both, definitely. They need to rethink their whole approach to how they engage with voters.
Move Forward is riding a wave of dissatisfaction with traditional politics. I hope they can deliver on their promises.
I’m skeptical of any long-term change. Politics here is entrenched with old power dynamics.
Thaksin’s involvement, even if indirect, is a big problem in my eyes. The party needs to distance itself from his shadow.
Agree. Thaksin’s influence is too polarizing. It could hurt Paetongtarn’s chances.
But isn’t Thaksin’s support what keeps the core Pheu Thai base loyal?
Sure, but that core base alone won’t win elections anymore. They need broader appeal.
I don’t care who’s in charge as long as they fix the city’s problems. Enough rhetoric.
Thaksin’s parole restrictions should make his involvement minimal. Let’s see if Paetongtarn can stand on her own.
She better! Dependence on her father could make her a puppet.
That’s the risk. But if she proves capable, it might be a new chapter for Pheu Thai.
If Pheu Thai targets more tech-savvy youth, they have a fighting chance.
Move Forward has set the bar high. Only time will tell if Pheu Thai can keep up.
True. They need sustained effort and not just quick fixes.
Consistency in their policies and real results are key.