Paetongtarn Shinawatra, daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, has been officially endorsed as Thailand’s new Prime Minister by King Maha Vajiralongkorn. This follows her election by parliament on Friday. Paetongtarn, at 37, is the youngest person to hold this position and faces significant challenges, including a struggling economy and the need to deliver on her party’s key promises.
Thailand’s former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has been granted a royal pardon, his lawyer confirmed, marking his release from prison. This comes just a day after his daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, was appointed as Thailand’s new Prime Minister. The pardon was part of a broader clemency granted by King Maha Vajiralongkorn to celebrate his birthday.
Thailand’s political instability continues as the Constitutional Court dismissed Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin over an ethics violation, leaving the country in search of a new leader. The Pheu Thai party, led by billionaire ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra, will choose its next candidate for prime minister from amongst former justice minister Chaikasem Nitisiri or Thaksin’s daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra. This ongoing political drama highlights the deep-rooted tensions between the military and pro-royalist establishment and progressive parties linked to Thaksin, further jeopardizing Thailand’s democratic stability.
Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has been granted bail, avoiding pre-trial detention for alleged royal insult charges. This event comes amidst a series of legal battles involving key political figures, potentially plunging Thailand into political uncertainty. The cases raise concerns about the power of courts and their influence on the nation’s political landscape.
