To win the political game, the Pheu Thai Party is trading its image for a new alliance.
BANGKOK: The political image of the Pheu Thai party is shifting from that of democracy champion to a new face of the conservative camp, as it seeks to regain power through moves that could shape Thai politics,Forced to play by constitutional rules that put it at a disadvantage, the veteran party backed by former billionaire prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra
After parting ways with Move Forward, Pheu Thai has been pushing for its candidate Srettha Thavisin to become Thailand’s 30th prime minister – an onerous task that requires the approval of at least 375 parliamentarians or more than half of the national assembly. The Pheu Thai-led coalition currently commands 238 votes and still needs 137 more to secure the premiership for Mr Srettha.
The Shinawatra family has close ties with Pheu Thai, which is a reincarnation of Mr Thaksin’s old political group Thai Rak Thai. His youngest daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra is in fact one of the party’s prime ministerial candidates. Pheu Thai’s alliance with military-linked parties could also ensure a safe homecoming of its fugitive patron Thaksin.
On the right are traditionalists – the likes of Palang Pracharat, United Thai Nation, Democrat and Bhumjaithai – which favours the old way of social structure and customs.