Thailand’s Parliament Picks New Premier Amid Chaos

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News

BANGKOK (Worthy News) – The parliament of Thailand has voted for the heir of a powerful and polarizing dynasty to lead the Asian nation as its youngest prime minister ever.

Paetongtarn Shinawatra succeeds Srettha Thavisin, who was removed from the constitutional court Wednesday in what critics viewed as another blow to Thai democracy.

The 37-year-old new prime minister, known by her nickname Ung Ing, is the youngest child of billionaire businessman Thaksin Shinawatra and the third family member after her father and aunt to hold the nation’s top job.

Srettha’s removal was the latest in a long-running battle between the military, the pro-royalist establishment, and populist parties linked to Thaksin.

Commentators said that the legacy and political future of the billionaire Shinawatra family could be at stake for Paetongtarn.

Her father was Thailand’s first democratically elected prime minister to serve a full term and was re-elected in 2005 by an overwhelming majority despite significant controversies.

MUSLIM INSURGENCY

His government launched programs to reduce poverty, expand infrastructure, promote small and medium-sized enterprises, and extend universal healthcare coverage.

However, he also took a strong-arm approach against the separatist insurgency in the Muslim southern provinces.

Additionally, Thaksin declared a “war on drugs” in which reportedly more than 2,500 people were killed. He was later accused and sentenced to two years imprisonment in absentia over misuse of power allegations.

Thaksin spent years in exile after being removed in a military coup in 2006 and returned to Thailand only last year when his Pheu Thai party formed the government.

The ruling coalition chose his daughter Paetongtarn as its new leader and prime minister at a meeting late Thursday after none of the 10 other parties in the coalition put forward an alternative.

Parliament then approved the appointment with 319 votes or nearly two-thirds of the house.

FEMALE PREMIER

She will become Thailand’s second female prime minister and the third Shinawatra to take the top job after aunt Yingluck Shinawatra and father Thaksin, the country’s most influential and polarising politician.

In her first media remarks as prime minister-elect, Patongtarn said she had been saddened and confused by Srettha’s dismissal and decided it was time to step up.

“I talked to Srettha, my family, and the people at my party, and I decided it was about time to do something for the country and the party,” she told reporters.

“I hope I can do my best to make the country go forward. That’s what I’m trying to do. Today, I’m honored, and I feel very happy.”

Her response after winning was posting on the social media platform Instagram a picture of her lunch – chicken rice – with the caption: “The first meal after listening to the vote.”

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