Paetongtarn Urged to Choose Youth Over Old Guard in New Cabinet

[webfact]

 

Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thailand's Prime Minister, is being advised to prioritise youth in her forthcoming cabinet selection, part of a strategic push to revitalise the nation's leadership. The suggestion comes from Thanaporn Sriyakul, director of the Institute for Political & Policy Analyses.

 

Sriyakul believes that in order for Paetongtarn, aged 38 and daughter of prominent political figure Thaksin Shinawatra, to successfully govern, her cabinet should predominantly consist of young leaders. He proposes an "80-20" rule, where 80% of new ministers are from the younger generation and only 20% from the older cohort.

 

Thailand's law permits the Prime Minister to appoint a maximum of 35 cabinet members at any one time. Sriyakul points out that this significant shift could restore faith in the Pheu Thai Party-led administration, demonstrating a break from traditional political practices dominated by seasoned politicians.

 

Despite advocating for youth, Sriyakul acknowledged that current Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit might remain due to his critical role as a financier for the ruling party. Suriya represents a notable exception to the suggested youth-dominated cabinet.

 

Sriyakul stressed the importance of addressing the public's economic challenges with a fresh perspective that young leaders bring. Removing the entrenched "Big House" politicians—an informal Thai term for influential and longstanding political figures—could potentially pave the way for a rejuvenated political landscape.

 

Additionally, the expert advises Paetongtarn to navigate internal coalition tensions adeptly. Given the current discord within the Palang Pracharath party, particularly between leader Prawit Wongsuwan and secretary-general Thammanat Prompao, there are calls for the latter to spearhead a possible split and take several MPs with him.

 

The Pheu Thai-led coalition also faces potential reshuffles, with the possibility of the Democrat Party, traditionally an opposition party, joining the coalition. This move could further shift the political dynamics, especially if the Democrats decide to sever ties with former party leader Chuan Leekpai and others opposing the new coalition alignment.

 

The impending cabinet formation represents a decisive moment for Paetongtarn and her administration, setting the stage for Thailand's political future.

 

Picture courtesy: Thai Rath

 

-- 2024-08-22

 

 

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[mdr224]

Young to make it seem like they represent the people, but only as long as the young selections are corrupt

[dinsdale]

This article is based on the premise that it will be her decision. Some may say that this is a false premise.

As for restoring faith in the party that will take some doing after daddy jumped into bed with the enemy.

[OneMoreFarang]

Imagine one young and incompetent leader selects a couple of young people to pretend to do something.

But obviously she must be sure not to select anybody who could possibly look more competent than herself.

What can possibly go wrong? ... 

[hotchilli]

Daddy will guide her... the old guard still remains.

[ChrisY1]

Trying to make us believe she makes any decisions? You just can't see the strings!

[john donson]

yes the young need to feed at the trough also... 

[MikeandDow]

There should be only 1 criteria, be able to do the job,  Why place a police officer in charge of the Ministry of Education, an inexperienced person in charge of environmental issues,

[dinsdale]

Old or young in PTP coalition will make no difference. All must be subservient to the military royalist elite. As much as PTP want to pretend they are a party for the people they are only in office because of aforementioned military royalist elite so the reformists can not assume power. 

[soalbundy]

55 minutes ago, MikeandDow said:

There should be only 1 criteria, be able to do the job,  Why place a police officer in charge of the Ministry of Education, an inexperienced person in charge of environmental issues,

Because they are only nominally in charge, they are just suites, window dressing, the experts in the ministry make the decisions, the boss rubber stamps everything and gets the best salary and the opportunity to scrape some cream off the top.

[brianthainess]

6 hours ago, webfact said:

Despite advocating for youth, Sriyakul acknowledged that current Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit might remain due to his critical role as a financier for the ruling party.

All this Transport Minister seems concerned about is Airports, the carnage on the roads will continue until a Real Driving Test is implemented, not just driving on a track, at max 20 Kph. for 30min, no hills no bends. And the yearly vehicle check is just a joke. They need to look at the UK on how to do it properly and train Thais using UK instructors. 

But using falang to teach would be to much losing of face.

[bamnutsak]

4 hours ago, hotchilli said:

Daddy will guide her.

 

Nothing like a 75 year old guiding one towards "youthful" cabinet.

[hotchilli]

2 hours ago, bamnutsak said:

 

Nothing like a 75 year old guiding one towards "youthful" cabinet.

Not so much the matriarch more like a megalomaniac

[Dogmatix]

11 hours ago, dinsdale said:

This article is based on the premise that it will be her decision. Some may say that this is a false premise.

As for restoring faith in the party that will take some doing after daddy jumped into bed with the enemy.

 

Of course it is not her decision.  Perhaps a couple of token youngsters who are children or nieces or nephews of old style politicians will be included but the political factions are all control by the dinosaurs and won't stand for it, if they are excluded.