UPDATED: Looming Thai prime minister race could signal end of an era
Nearly a decade after he led a military takeover of the government, authoritarian Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha is hoping his double-edged new promise to voters — “No coup again” — will win him another term in office in this longtime U.S. ally in Southeast Asia.
Mr. Prayuth, a former army chief, has dominated the political scene since a military junta he led ousted the elected civilian government in 2014. Polls show the opposition, backed by billionaire populist Thaksin Shinawatra, has opened a big lead over conservative and military-backed parties. The leading Pheu Thai candidate is Mr. Thaksin’s daughter, 36-year-old Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
Mr. Thaksin, living in exile in Dubai after fleeing a corruption prosecution while prime minister in 2006, nevertheless is riding a big lead in opinion polls. That sets up the possibility of a Pheu Thai-led coalition government that would grant him immunity from his legal woes and allow him to return home.
The military nervously views Mr. Thaksin and other anti-coup candidates as threats — especially to its advantageous power to promote its officers without civilian oversight. Army Chief Gen. Narongphan Jitkaewtae retires at the end of September, and his successor is said to be lined up.
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Looming Thai presidential vote could signal end of an eraNearly a decade after he led a military takeover of the government, authoritarian Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha is hoping his double-edged new promise to voters — “No coup again” — will win him another term in office in this longtime U.S. Southeast Asian ally.
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