Thailand has announced the selection of a new prime minister, and it’s not the party that the people voted for in May. After months of negotiations, lawmakers have agreed to appoint Srettha Thavisin of the Pheu Thai party as Thailand’s next prime minister. This decision has alienated the reformist, youth-oriented party, Move Forward, which had a significant victory at the polls but was blocked from forming a government. Srettha, a real estate tycoon turned political newcomer, expressed his commitment to doing his job to the best of his ability after receiving the support of the legislators. However, he still needs to be endorsed by Thailand’s monarchy and sworn in before taking office.
The election was seen as a rejection of the conservative military establishment that has governed Thailand for the past decade. However, the new ruling coalition includes pro-military leaders, including generals who have suppressed criticism in the name of stability. The vote marks a significant change for the Pheu Thai party, which had previously vowed not to share power with the conservative elite who have repeatedly ousted them from government. This alliance with pro-military leaders has caused disappointment among Move Forward supporters, who had hoped for an end to military rule.
Prior to the vote, Thaksin Shinawatra, the former prime minister who was overthrown by the military in 2006, returned to Thailand after 17 years in self-exile. Thaksin, who helped establish Pheu Thai, was detained shortly after his arrival in the country. It remains uncertain whether he will serve his full eight-year prison sentence or seek a royal pardon or parole based on medical reasons.
The new government, while not fully democratic, is expected to be more effective than the outgoing junta in addressing the challenges facing Thailand, such as increasing household debt, an aging population, rising crime, and border security.
Pheu Thai’s decision to share power with the military has raised concerns among supporters and members who believe it goes against the demands of the people for an end to military rule. This compromise may have facilitated Thaksin’s return but could also damage the party’s reputation and Thaksin’s political legacy in the long term.
Analysts suggest that Pheu Thai’s actions could drive support for Move Forward, which has called for amendments to Thailand’s controversial lèse-majesté law. Move Forward nearly doubled its seats in the recent election, indicating a broad base of support.
While conservatives may have prevented Move Forward from assuming power at present, their actions may ultimately force a reckoning in the future.
This story was reported by Tan in Singapore, with contributions from Regine Cabato in Manila.
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