Real estate tycoon Srettha Thavisin became Thailand’s new prime minister on Tuesday thanks to the support of the army, a cumbersome ally for this political novice, whose profile as an entrepreneur brings him closer to the divisive Thaksin Shinawatra.
The consensual character of Srettha Thavisin, from the opposition movement Pheu Thai but considered open vis-à-vis the monarchy and the generals, could bring the kingdom out of the uncertainties that have paralyzed it for months.
“I will do my best and work tirelessly to improve the quality of life for Thai people,” the entrepreneur told reporters gathered at party headquarters in a short statement.
The Thais inflicted a stinging defeat on the military who have governed for almost ten years, during the legislative elections of May 14, but the conservative camp has contained the extent of the alternation, through a Constitution which defends its interests.
Srettha (61) managed to overcome the blockage of the Senate loyal to the outgoing power, at the cost of a controversial coalition with the army which, twice, in 2006 and 2014, helped to overthrow a democratically elected Pheu Thai government .
Winner of the elections, the reformist party Move Forward preferred to join the opposition than to seize the outstretched hand of its former partner, in a kingdom renowned for its political instability and its coalitions which can stir very broadly.
Srettha promised to pursue an ambitious economic agenda, highlighting his successes at the helm of real estate giant Sansiri to restore a country that has stagnated since the pandemic.
Lack of structural reforms and strong inequalities weigh down the economy of Thailand, which shows a growth lower than its Indonesian or Vietnamese competitors.
“I would like to reiterate that my enemy is poverty and inequality. My goal is to improve the lives of every Thai,” the businessman said in a Facebook video post last Friday. However, he has had to defend himself in recent days against corruption charges.
His profile is reminiscent of that of his mentor, billionaire Thaksin Shinawatra, Prime Minister between 2001 and 2006 until a coup, who promised to run the country “like a business”.
As a wink in history, Thaksin returned to Thailand after more than fifteen years of self-imposed exile to escape prosecution, on the same day Srettha came to power.
How to take the light behind this divisive figure, which has polarized Thai political life for more than twenty years? In recent months, Srettha has tried to find a place for himself on the political scene, helped by his large stature (1.90 m).
He campaigned alongside Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thaksin’s daughter, who was also a candidate to become prime minister. But the young woman (37), for whom it was also her first election as a candidate, was considered less ready than the businessman.
“Paetongtarn has just had a baby, she is young…Srettha is the main candidate, although he is not very convincing and has no base in the party,” said the political analyst Thitinan Pongsudhirak.
This fan of Liverpool football club, partly educated in the United States, has been active on social networks to attract the sympathy of younger generations, while playing on the trendy and innovative image that his company seeks. .
Since his recent debut in politics, Srettha has spoken about issues related to education, LGBT rights, the environment and social inequality in Thailand, among the highest in Asia.
But he took care to avoid the thorny question of lèse-majesté, severely punished in Thailand where King Maha Vajiralongkorn enjoys an untouchable status, contenting himself with calling for tensions to be avoided.
Move Forward broke their teeth on the subject. His flagship plan to reform royal libel has torpedoed his ambition to rise to power, with military-appointed senators accusing the party of being unpatriotic.
Pheu Thai, on the other hand, campaigned to rewrite the 2017 Constitution, drafted by the then junta. A promise more than ever called into question, after his pact with pro-army parties which allowed him to win the post of Prime Minister.
22/08/2023 14:38:06 – Bangkok (AFP) – © 2023 AFP
