Securing the family business?

No one should be surprised at the rumour that Panthongtae Shinawatra, son of former premier Thaksin, plans to enter politics. It’s not unusual to see another member of the Shinawatra clan arriving on the political scene.

Although Panthongtae was quick to declare that he has no ambition to enter politics, the possibility still can’t be ruled out. He said on his Facebook page that neither his father nor mother Pojaman wants him to be a politician. However, he has got involved in politics by addressing several issues via the social media. His statements are often quoted, especially when he speaks on behalf of his father on hot political issues, or when he attacks anti-government groups.

His proximity to the ruling Pheu Thai Party is obvious. He is close to his aunt, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra. Pheu Thai MPs say they would support him if he runs run in the next election, according to deputy government spokesperson Sunisa  Lertpakawat. That backing shows how Panthongtae could emerge as a candidate.

Panthongtae claims he’s not keen on politics, but before Yingluck became premier she’d never shown any interest in politics either. It was her brother who summoned her to politics. Thaksin’s only heir could face the same situation. His political debut would further emphasise the dominance of the Shinawatra clan. During Thaksin’s administrations, his then-wife Pojaman Damapong was a heavyweight in politics despite never being officially involved. Thaksin’s sister Yaowapa Wongsawat’s influence in the party is far greater than her MP status. Yaowapa’s husband Somchai served as prime minister in 2008 and was a key man in the People’s Power Party. Then there is National Police chief Priewpan Damapong, who is Thaksin’s former brother-in-law.

Panthongtae’s involvement in Pheu Thai, whether or not he runs for Parliament, has reaffirmed the family’s hold on the party. Unlike the Democrat Party, which is not dominated by any one family, Pheu Thai will always be perceived as the Shinawatra party.

The Shinawatras emerged after 1994, when telecom tycoon Thaksin ran in the general election for the now-defunct Palang Dharma Party. He went on to found Thai Rak Thai, People’s Power and Pheu Thai. The ruling party now increasingly dominates politics, with Thaksin at the top of the dynastic pyramid. 

Prime Minister Yingluck was declared a Pheu Thai candidate at the last minute, reflecting how Thaksin wanted to protect her from the hardscrabble of politics. Ultimately it signalled his desperation, in putting a trusted family member in the top post while he remains in exile. Yingluck had no experience and was rarely involved in “the family business” before she was anointed to seize the spotlight. If she can fit Thaksin’s requirements, why not Panthongtae, despite his unimpressive image and education background?

As things stand, it looks like Panthongtae’s readiness and qualifications are not a problem. It is not for the party’s MPs or Yingluck to have a say in his future. His destiny will depend solely on his father’s decision, and that will certainly dictate the future of Thailand’s ruling party in the years to come.