If successful in Friday’s vote, Paetongtarn would be Thailand’s second female prime minister and the third Shinawatra to hold the top post.
“We were confident that under her leadership, we will all support her and be ready to carry out her policies from the day she assumes office,” Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, told a press conference to announce Paetongtarn as their candidate.
Srettha was the movement’s fourth premier to be removed by a court ruling and his downfall could indicate the end of 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.
The 11-party alliance holds 314 seats in the house, of which 141 belong to Pheu Thai, and should have no difficulty electing a prime minister on Friday, providing it remains intact.
To become premier a candidate needs the approval of more than half of the current 493 lawmakers.
