RETURN OF THE SHINAWATRAS?
According to some political experts, it is likely Pheu Thai would still have the clout to lead the next administration, after a period of horse-trading and uncertainty over who will be in charge.
“The coalition remains united,” said Olarn Thinbangtieo, deputy dean of Burapha University’s Faculty of Political Science and Law.
“There may be some impact on confidence, but that would be in the short term.”
The next premier would need to have been nominated a prime ministerial candidate by their parties prior to the 2023 election, with Thaksin’s 37-year-old daughter and party leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra among Pheu Thai’s options.
If successful, she would be Thailand’s third Shinawatra premier after Thaksin and her aunt, Yingluck Shinawatra.
Other potential candidates include Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga and Prawit Wongsuwan, an influential former army chief who was involved in the last two coups.
The court decision comes at a tricky time for an economy that Srettha struggled to jumpstart, with weak exports and consumer spending, sky-high household debt and more than a million small businesses unable to access loans.
The government has estimated growth of just 2.7 per cent for 2024, lagging regional peers, while Thailand has been Asia’s worst-performing market this year with its main stock index .SETI down about 17 per cent year-to-date.
