Thailand’s parliament is set to vote on whether 37-year-old Paetongtarn Shinawatra should become the country’s next prime minister after being nominated by the ruling Pheu Thai party. Paetongtarn is the daughter of billionaire tycoon Thaksin Shinawatra and would be the third member of the family to hold Thailand’s top job. The vote comes after the dismissal of former leader Srettha Thavisin over a controversial ministerial appointment.
The political landscape in Thailand has long been shaped by a power struggle between the military, pro-royalist establishment, and Thaksin-linked populist parties. Thaksin himself was ousted in a military coup in 2006 and only recently returned to Thailand. Paetongtarn, who has been involved in the family business and entered politics three years ago, was chosen as the replacement candidate after the ruling coalition’s meeting on Thursday night.
The ruling coalition, with 314 seats, needs approval from more than half of the current 493 lawmakers for Paetongtarn to become prime minister. While the third-largest party, Bhumjaithai, has agreed to support the candidate from Pheu Thai, the reformist Move Forward Party, which won the most seats in the last election, has vowed to oppose the nomination.
The political landscape in Thailand remains complex, with various parties vying for power and influence. The outcome of Friday’s vote will have significant implications for the country’s future leadership and direction.
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