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Srettha Thavisin, former chief of a major real estate developer in Thailand, has been elected as Prime Minister, leading an unexpected alliance of populists and pro-military parties. The vote in parliament took place shortly after the return of Thaksin Shinawatra, founder of the populist Pheu Thai Party, who had been in self-exile for 15 years. Srettha, 61, emphasized his goal to combat poverty and inequality and improve the lives of all Thais.

The vote was supported by pro-military members of parliament who had previously blocked the progressive Move Forward Party, which had won the May election. The conservative establishment saw Srettha and his Pheu Thai Party, which came in second, as a more acceptable option. The party formed a government by forming a pact with former adversaries now in pro-military parties.

Srettha’s nomination as a prime ministerial candidate was based on his business acumen and his ability to manage an economy recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. Coming from a family with strong connections in the business elite, Srettha started his career at the Thai branch of Procter & Gamble and later co-founded Sansiri, a property developer that has grown into one of Thailand’s largest firms.

Although Chuwit Kamolvisit recently made allegations of wrongdoing against Srettha regarding two land deals during his time at Sansiri, both Srettha and the company have denied these claims. Srettha’s height of six feet, three inches and his status as a Liverpool soccer club fan have gained attention, but his inexperience in politics has raised questions about his independence and ability to navigate political dynamics.

While Srettha’s business experience may enhance his management style and economic policies, experts have raised concerns about his political independence, particularly in the presence of Thaksin Shinawatra. As a political outsider, Srettha lacks an established political support base within his party and the wider public, making it uncertain how much autonomy he will have as Prime Minister.

(Source: Reuters)

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