Thai alliance rallies behind daughter of tycoon Thaksin for next PM

BANGKOK — Thailand's ruling alliance on Thursday (Aug 15) backed the daughter of divisive tycoon Thaksin Shinawatra to become the next prime minister, a surprise move that could prolong a power struggle and reignite political turmoil.

Political newcomer Paetongtarn Shinawatra, 37, will be nominated at a special vote of parliament on Friday and if successful, would become Thailand's second female premier and the third Shinawatra to hold the top post.

The announcement followed a flurry of backroom talks in the 24 hours since a court dismissed Srettha Thavisin as premier, in what was the latest blow for Pheu Thai, the populist juggernaut of the billionaire Shinawatra family that has locked horns for two decades with Thailand's influential establishment and royalist military.

"The country has to move ahead, Pheu Thai is the main party in forming a government and will push the country forward," Paetongtarn told a joint press conference, flanked by leaders of the party's 10 coalition partners.

"We are determined, together, and will push the country forward."

Srettha was the movement's fourth premier to be removed by a court ruling and his downfall suggests a breakdown in an uneasy detente between Thaksin and his enemies in the conservative elite and military old guard, which had enabled the tycoon's return from self-exile in 2023 and ally Srettha to become premier the same day.

Suprise gamble

Pheu Thai's decision will come as a surprise to some political analysts, who had expected heavyweight Thaksin, 75, Pheu Thai's founder and figurehead, would delay his political dynasty and shield his youngest daughter from Thailand's cutthroat politics for a little longer.

Pheu Thai and its predecessors have borne the brunt of the tumult,