A dynastic daughter of the billionaire Shinawatra family leads opinion polls to become prime minister of this longtime U.S. ally in Sunday’s nationwide elections. But many here fear the result could reignite her family’s longstanding feud with the coup-empowered, politicized, U.S.-trained military that has long meddled in the country’s electoral system.
The stakes are high for Thailand and for the region, with China making a serious play for influence in a challenge to Bangkok’s traditional close ties to the U.S. International and local investors, businesses, and others hope a stable, elected civilian government will repair Thailand’s crippled democracy and replace unqualified military appointees in government ministries.
“Please excuse me. It’s been nearly 17 years that I have to be away from my family. I’m already old,” he tweeted. The Constitution Court may also dissolve any party found guilty of committing an election infraction, engaging in conflict of interest, or other illegalities before, during, or after the election — even if a new civilian government takes office.
Many perceive Ms. Paetongtarn as a placeholder for her father who, after fleeing Thailand, still inspires supporters with online messages of defiance. Mr. Pita’s swelling popularity is based partly on his stance which “ruled out any partnership with the military, thus enabling his party to get the nod from many undecided voters,” Bangkok Post columnist and assistant news editor Chairith Yongpiam wrote earlier this month.
He is also hobbled by a political expiration date: The Constitutional Court recently ruled Mr. Prayuth, who has held power since 2014, is term-limited to just two more years in office.
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