Thai politics is currently embroiled in a fierce battle as seven candidates vie for the position of Prime Minister following the removal of former PM Srettha Thavisin. With several media outlets closely monitoring the selection process and the formation of the new Cabinet, the political landscape in Thailand is teeming with anticipation and speculation.
According to Section 159 of the Constitution, the appointment of the Prime Minister of Thailand entails meeting five specific conditions. These conditions include the House of Representatives appointing the PM by selecting a candidate who meets the qualifications outlined in Section 160, the candidate being nominated by a political party from the list specified in Section 88, the nominating political party holding at least five percent of the total seats in the House of Representatives, the nomination being endorsed by at least one-tenth of the total members of the House of Representatives, and the appointment of the PM being approved by the House of Representatives through open voting with more than half of the total members in favor.
The list of potential prime ministerial candidates features seven names from five coalition government parties, each with a unique background and political trajectory. These candidates include Paetongtarn Shinawatra, leader of the Pheu Thai Party; Chaikasem Nitisiri, former advisor to ex-PM Srettha; Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party; Prawit Wongsuwon, leader of the Palang Pracharath Party; Prayut Chan-o-cha, former PM and leader of the Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party; Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, former Deputy PM, Minister of Energy, and current leader of the Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party; and Jurin Laksanawisit, former leader of the Democrat Party.
Paetongtarn Shinawatra has emerged as a strong candidate for PM due to her significant role in the Pheu Thai Party. Selected as the party leader ahead of the recent General Election, many anticipate her following in the footsteps of her father, former PM Thaksin Shinawatra. Another potential candidate from the Pheu Thai Party is Chaikasem Nitisiri, a 75-year-old with a background in the legal field as the former Attorney General of Thailand. Chaikasem, who was previously proposed as a PM candidate in 2019 and 2023, began his political career relatively late but has garnered support within the party.
Anutin Charnvirakul, the leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, stands out as a strong candidate given the party’s significant number of MP seats. Anutin, known for his business ventures in construction and engineering, has played a crucial role in various policy initiatives, including the response to the Covid-19 pandemic and the legalization of cannabis for medical use. Meanwhile, Prawit Wongsuwon, the leader of the Palang Pracharath Party, brings a wealth of experience to the table, having served as Deputy PM under both military and civilian governments.
Prayut Chan-o-cha, the former PM and leader of the Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party, is another familiar face in the race for Prime Minister. Having led the National Council for Peace and Order before winning a general election in 2019, Prayut’s political career has been marked by both praise and criticism. Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, the former Deputy PM, Minister of Energy, and current leader of the Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party, also presents a compelling candidacy with his extensive background in both law and politics.
Jurin Laksanawisit, the former leader of the Democrat Party, rounds out the list of potential candidates. With a career spanning over two decades in politics, Jurin has held various ministerial positions and played a pivotal role within the party. As the selection process for the 31st Prime Minister of Thailand unfolds, the Secretary-General of the House of Representatives, Aphat Sukhanan, has indicated that the schedule for the appointment has yet to be finalized.
In the coming days, the President of the National Assembly of Thailand will convene a meeting with leaders from government and opposition parties to iron out the details of the selection process. With each candidate bringing their unique strengths and experiences to the table, the political landscape in Thailand is set for a significant shift as the nation awaits the appointment of its next Prime Minister. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.