Former Prime Minister of Thailand Thaksin believes that Prime Minister Srettha is a suitable leader for the transitional period.

On April 5, 2024, at 06:21 Eastern Time, BANGKOK (Reuters) - Influential former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra praised his ally and Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin as a suitable leader for the transitional period, while also emphasizing his daughter's qualifications for the position of head of the ruling Pheu Thai party.

The 74-year-old billionaire, founder of the populist Pheu Thai party, has witnessed his family's victory in almost all elections since 2001 and has had a significant influence on politics during 15 years of self-imposed exile, avoiding prison.

(Srettha) is in a favorable position during this transitional period of politics, where there are many parties... he will be successful thanks to his experience," Thaksin said in a pre-recorded message shown at the Pheu Thai party's annual meeting on Friday.

Thaksin returned from exile in August to face an eight-year prison sentence for abuse of power and conflict of interest. The king pardoned him, reducing the sentence to one year, and Thaksin was released from hospital detention on bail in February. His return and relatively short time in custody fueled speculation that Thaksin had reached an agreement with his rivals in the conservative elite and royalist army, who overthrew the Shinawatra parties in coups in 2006 and 2014. Thaksin and his supporters deny the existence of such an agreement.

Although Thaksin claims to be officially retired, many in Thailand expect him to have significant political influence, raising questions about the role and future of political newcomer Srettha, who replaced former coup leader Prayut Chan-o-cha in August after nine years in power.

In response to a question about the influence of Thaksin, real estate magnate Srettha insists that he controls the government.

“Un Ing can lead the team and change the game,” said Thaksin in a message, referring to her by her nickname. “She has the strength and endurance from her mother, and she is sociable and politically savvy, just like me... If I was able to do it, and she has my genes and her mother’s genes – she will do even better than I did.”

(Message from Chaiyut Setbunsang and Panarat Teerakpanat; edited by Martin Petty) © Reuters - 2024.