Pheu Thai’s decision to rally behind Paetongtarn came 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 cut-throat politics for a little longer.
Pheu Thai and its predecessors have borne the brunt of the tumult, with two Shinawatra governments ousted in coups in a long-running grudge match that began when former telecoms magnate Thaksin tried to upend established patronage networks, angering elites with far-reaching connections.
Thaksin returned to Thailand last August from 15 years in self-exile on the same day Srettha took power in an alliance with pro-military parties previously staunchly opposed to the tycoon ex-premier and his followers.
The timing seemed to suggest a truce in the long-standing feud as both sides sought to see off the threat posed by the newer Move Forward Party (MFP), which won the popular vote in last year’s election.
It was later blocked from forming a government.
Uncertainty about political upheaval could add more strain to an underperforming economy that Srettha had hoped to revive with a raft of stimulus measures, some that could now be in question, including his vaunted plan to give 10,000 baht (US$285) handouts to 50 million people.
