Thailand’s Prime Minister Relies on Family Legacy in Advisory Picks

A tumultuous two-year period in Thai politics is slowly ending, as newly-elected Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced her first major batch of cabinet selections. Following decades of palace coups and military dictatorships, there was real hope that the 37-year-old political newcomer would assemble a cabinet that reflected the proverbial page that the country had finally turned. However, to the dismay of those hoping for a fresh start in Bangkok, a lot of familiar faces will be returning to government in the coming weeks.

Primarily consisting of business experts appointed to an economic recovery advisory panel, Shinawatra’s picks sent a resounding message as to where she intends to steer the country in the coming months. Prominent among these appointments was economist Supavud Saicheua, Chairman of the National Economic and Social Development Council, and Tongthong Chandransu, a member of the previous government. Other members include Surapong Suebwonglee and Phongthep Thepkanjana. Pansak Vinyaratn will lead the panel. An impressive collection of powerful political players, most of Shinawatra’s first major slate of cabinet selections have one thing in common: they served in her aunt’s and father’s governments.”

Shinawatra is the youngest Prime Minister in the country’s history, but she’s also an heiress to its most powerful political dynasty. Her father, Thaksin Shinawatra, served as Prime Minister from 2001-2005. Her aunt Yingluck served from 2011-2014. A graduate of Chulalongkorn University, Ms. Shinawatra helped run her family’s hotel business before joining politics. Elected on August 16th, the House of Representatives supported her candidacy 319-145, after her coalition’s excellent performance in the general election. “I have a solid team, a team that once was a government, once served the people, once pushed policies successfully,” she said in an interview last year, according to the New York Times. “That made me dare to say that I am ready.”

Ms. Shinawatra’s confidence in her government’s abilities is a good sign, particularly when considering the nature of the national challenges that she has inherited. Average household debt is up nearly 10% from last year, with a survey by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce showing debt levels at the highest rate since 2009. Low fertility rates and a rapidly aging population have only confounded the issue, discouraging younger generations from settling down and starting their own families. It is an issue that is becoming increasingly common in Asia’s largest economies, especially in South Korea and Japan. In addition, the cost of living has only continued to rise in Thailand, despite an international image of affordability.

The new Prime Minister also inherits a delicate political position. Thai politics are notoriously unstable, and despite recent political reforms, that reputation is still very much justified. It is not at all uncommon for political failures to ultimately result in career-ending consequences. Her predecessor, Srettha Thavisin, was ousted by the Constitutional Court on corruption charges, plunging the country into turmoil that ended in Shinawatra’s elevation to the nation’s highest office. It is a fate that Ms. Shinawatra is accustomed to witnessing; both her father and aunt were also removed during their time in office. Thaksin Shinawatra was found guilty in a real estate development scheme, whereas Yingluck Shinawatra was removed in a military coup in 2014.

Prime Minister Shinawatra’s team is made up of capable bureaucrats with the experience and training necessary to tackle Thailand’s economic hardships. In many ways, this is precisely what Bangkok needs. At this critical juncture, economic recovery might require experts who can act decisively before the situation deteriorates further. However, they are also reflective of a government style that looks strikingly similar to that of her father and aunt. If Thailand is truly ready to move past the political scandals and drama of the last several decades, change starts with those serving in Bangkok. So far, Shinawatra has shown a willingness to continue with the legacy created by her father and aunt, a decision that will ultimately be evaluated by the voters. However, in the interim, it poses serious questions as to her ability to implement the civic and political reforms necessary to return Thailand to the days of functioning democracy.

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Editorial contributions by Rachael Rhine Milliard