Thailand’s parliament is set to vote on whether Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the 37-year-old daughter of tycoon Thaksin Shinawatra, should become the country’s next prime minister. Paetongtarn would be the third member of her family to hold the nation’s top job if she secures parliamentary backing. The ruling Pheu Thai party nominated her to replace dismissed leader Srettha Thavisin, who was removed over appointing a minister with a criminal conviction.
The vote is scheduled for Friday in Bangkok, following Srettha’s ousting by the country’s top court. The ongoing power struggle between the military, pro-royalist establishment, and populist parties linked to Thaksin has been a defining feature of Thailand’s political landscape. Thaksin, who was previously prime minister, was removed in a military coup in 2006 and returned to Thailand just last year.
Paetongtarn, who has not held elected office before, was chosen as the replacement candidate at a meeting of the ruling coalition. The coalition, which holds a majority in parliament, will need the approval of over half of the current lawmakers for her to become prime minister. However, opposition parties, such as the reformist Move Forward Party, are unlikely to support her candidacy.
The political climate in Thailand remains tense, with recent court rulings dissolving and banning opposition parties. The outcome of the vote on Paetongtarn’s candidacy will have significant implications for the country’s future political landscape.
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