Dr. Chonlanan Srikaew, a Pheu Thai party MP for Nan province, has been picked as the new party leader, soon after Sompong Amornvivat resigned as the leader of Thailand’s biggest Opposition party, today (Thursday).
Chonlanan was also one of the party’s deputy leaders before being the only candidate nominated for the top job and selected. He was also already tipped as a favourite for the job.
While insisting that he had not been pressured to quit the post, Sompong said he is now 80 years old and would like someone from the new generation to helm the party. He assured the leadership change will not affect the party’s activities and performance in parliament or in public.
At the same assembly, the party announced that Paethongtan Shinawatra, the youngest daughter of exiled former prime minister Thaksin, is to be advisory chairperson of the party’s public participation and innovation activities.
A new face in Thai politics, Ms. Paethongtan told the assembly that she envisages encouraging young people to enter politics, to fulfil their dreams and to see real educational reform and technological development in Thailand, as well as public participation in decision making.
She made clear, however, that she is not a politician, because her role is in an advisory capacity but, when asked whether she aspires to be a party candidate for the next premiership, she remained noncommittal, saying it is a matter for the future but that she may consider the idea if she has the support of party members.
