Thailand's 'Dual Prime Minister' System: A Delicate Balance of Power

[webfact]

Thailand's former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, left, with, his daughter Paetongtarn | Photo via AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit

 

ANALYSIS

 

In Thailand's evolving political landscape, the dual prime minister system, led by Thaksin Shinawatra and his daughter Paetongtarn, has become a notable trend.

 

This arrangement reflects a carefully orchestrated strategy where Thaksin remains the mastermind behind the scenes, while Paetongtarn assumes the official role of prime minister, executing policies and managing the government.

 

This system isn’t accidental. Thaksin, who has been involved in Thai politics for decades, learned valuable lessons from his past experiences. One key lesson came during the tenure of Samak Sundaravej, who served as prime minister after Thaksin's People Power Party won the 2007 election.

 

Thaksin struggled to exert control over Samak, which ultimately led to the rise of the "Gang of Four" and the replacement of Samak with his brother-in-law, Somchai Wongsawat, as prime minister.

 

The pattern continues under the current leadership of Srettha Thavisin, where while outwardly there’s harmony between Thaksin and Srettha, internal friction has surfaced.

 

Thaksin, now on parole, has made public appearances and offered political advice, leading some to speculate that there’s tension between the two. But within the framework of the "dual prime minister" model, Thaksin and Paetongtarn's collaboration has been smooth, with each knowing their place—Thaksin orchestrates, Paetongtarn executes.

In this model, Paetongtarn steps into the role of the prime minister without directly competing with her father. Instead, she embraces his vision, and the father-daughter partnership allows them to complement each other's strengths. Paetongtarn does not see her father as a rival but as a guiding figure, which helps maintain a unified political front.

 

For example, in December, Thaksin publicly criticized coalition parties for skipping Cabinet meetings, a move that raised eyebrows and led to speculation about him trying to remove key figures from the coalition. However, Paetongtarn quickly stepped in to calm the situation, assuring the public that all parties were working together in harmony.

 

This public dynamic often hides the complex behind-the-scenes workings of their partnership. Insiders suggest that Paetongtarn played a key role in informing Thaksin about the absenteeism, prompting his strong remarks.

 

This situation underscores the importance of their coordinated efforts—Paetongtarn is able to moderate Thaksin’s more confrontational tendencies, ensuring stability within the coalition.

 

While some critics question who the "real" prime minister is, Thaksin and Paetongtarn’s seamless coordination shows that their roles are clearly defined. Paetongtarn has consistently praised her father, affirming her loyalty to his vision for the country.

 

In return, Thaksin has expressed confidence in Paetongtarn's ability to lead the country and revive the economy by late 2025, as long as the groundwork for recovery is laid out.

 

The "dual prime minister" system plays to their strengths. Thaksin handles the more combative aspects of politics, confronting opponents head-on, while Paetongtarn focuses on maintaining the legal and political structure.

 

This division of labor allows them to tackle political adversaries effectively, with Thaksin often shielding his daughter from direct confrontation, preserving her image in the public eye.

 

Despite the advantages, the arrangement comes with risks. Both must be cautious to avoid creating vulnerabilities in their joint strategy. Missteps in this delicate balance could undermine their political position.

 

But as long as they maintain their coordinated approach, the dual leadership model can be a powerful force in steering the country through turbulent political waters, reported The Nation.

 

-- 2025-01-10

 

 

[ikke1959]

There is no dual prime minister system... Thaksin rules and his daughter is the marionet who will speak for him and do the things..

[MikeandDow]

This guy should be locked up for life He is a convicted felon ,killer and con man

[Tropicalevo]

7 minutes ago, MikeandDow said:

This guy should be locked up for life He is a convicted felon ,killer and con man

 

And still the best man for the job!

(I do not think that he has actually killed anyone - yet.)

 

Those traits that you describe are true for every PM in Thailand during at least the last 25 years.

A 'dual PM system' is the norm here. The others have had their strings pulled by people out of sight.

Thaksin is just more honest about it.

[MikeandDow]

democracy

6 minutes ago, Tropicalevo said:

 

And still the best man for the job!

(I do not think that he has actually killed anyone - yet.)

 

Those traits that you describe are true for every PM in Thailand during at least the last 25 years.

A 'dual PM system' is the norm here. The others have had their strings pulled by people out of sight.

Thaksin is just more honest about it.

you dont have to have actually killed some one to be called a killer  (War on Drugs he was responible for giving the order) and dual PM is NOT democracy  

[jippytum]

There are not two prime ministers in Thailand.  Thaksin is the prime minister his daughter is a front. 

[mfd101]

2 hours ago, webfact said:

This division of labor allows them to tackle political adversaries effectively, with Thaksin often shielding his daughter from direct confrontation, preserving her image in the public eye.

Rather like the dual Presidential system about to take office in Usofa under Musk/Trump.

[wensiensheng]

There is no system or model. It’s one guy bending/breaking the rules to stay in power

[newbee2022]

1 hour ago, ikke1959 said:

There is no dual prime minister system... Thaksin rules and his daughter is the marionet who will speak for him and do the things..

That's a typical stereotype reply here on AN.

I see them both combined in ruling this country. They bundle their power and influence to the best of Thailand. He's speaking for the elderly and she's trying to reach out to the young ones. By sharing tasks it's synergy effects pushing Thailand forward. Is it working? Time will tell.

[wensiensheng]

1 hour ago, MikeandDow said:

democracy

you dont have to have actually killed some one to be called a killer  (War on Drugs he was responible for giving the order) and dual PM is NOT democracy  

Even if there was only one PM it wouldn’t be democracy racy. Her party didn’t get the most MP’s elected by the populace.

 

whole thing is a farce

[neeray]

This co leadership thing is becoming quite popular. And in this case, Thailand is ahead of the curve with USA following. But I expect that the Musk/Trump co presidency / bromance will fall apart before too long.

[outsider]

2 hours ago, webfact said:

the "dual prime minister" model

 

A complete farce is what it is.

[Frankie baby]

Regent Thaksin, or whatever name you want to call him. One things for sure, you've got to give him credit where its due.

[madone]

2 hours ago, webfact said:

This arrangement reflects a carefully orchestrated strategy where Thaksin remains the mastermind behind the scenes, while Paetongtarn assumes the official role of prime minister, executing policies and managing the government.

 

gee, and i thought no one had noticed

[MikeandDow]

10 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

That's a typical stereotype reply here on AN.

I see them both combined in ruling this country. They bundle their power and influence to the best of Thailand. He's speaking for the elderly and she's trying to reach out to the young ones. By sharing tasks it's synergy effects pushing Thailand forward. Is it working? Time will tell.

Ha Ha !! good joke  They are taking Thailand backward !!! Thailand is a joke to the rest of the world !!! there is a lot of the elderly still remember what he did, killing innocent people, corruption and abuse of power, what a joke!!!

[AhFarangJa]

Why is there no mention of the fact that he is not even supposed to be active in politics in any way as a condition of parole. If you or I broke parole we be hauled back in jail......oh ,wait a minute.......money talks.

[Marco51]

1 hour ago, MikeandDow said:

This guy should be locked up for life He is a convicted felon ,killer and con man

Follow the US lead............

[newbee2022]

1 minute ago, MikeandDow said:

Ha Ha !! good joke  They are taking Thailand backward !!! Thailand is a joke to the rest of the world !!! there is a lot of the elderly still remember what he did, killing innocent people, corruption and abuse of power, what a joke!!!

I would not look back but forward. There is the future, not in the past.

It's not important what role each of them is playing. It's important what they doing and achieving: to step from a 3rd world country into the present. To join BRICS was only one of those achievements.

[digger70]

Thailand's 'Dual Prime Minister' System: A Delicate Balance of Power

 

What in Satans Name is happening ?   

 Thaksin Shinawatra and his daughter Paetongtarn  A new Circus Clown Act 

When is this country going to do something about this clown .

He suppose to be Jailed for Meddling in Politics. 

[damian]

12 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

I would not look back but forward. There is the future, not in the past.

It's not important what role each of them is playing. It's important what they doing and achieving: to step from a 3rd world country into the present. To join BRICS was only one of those achievements.

I like your optimism.

 

Do you also look so positively on the manner in which he has achieved his and his parties current position?

[MikeandDow]

 

9 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

I would not look back but forward. There is the future, not in the past.

It's not important what role each of them is playing. It's important what they doing and achieving: to step from a 3rd world country into the present. To join BRICS was only one of those achievements.

you do tell a good joke !! Thailand is not a 3rd world country but a 4th  there is no  democracy in thailand but a farce! they can not look after there own people, the welfair system is a farce rather spend money on new planes and submarines for What ???

[smew]

I thought Thaksin was in jail and only released from time to time for his medical treatment to keep him alive. He had this gravely sickness called Thai political corruption syndrome. What is going on???

[Gandtee]

39 minutes ago, neeray said:

This co leadership thing is becoming quite popular. And in this case, Thailand is ahead of the curve with USA following. But I expect that the Musk/Trump co presidency / bromance will fall apart before too long.

Two megalomaniacs. It will end in tears. But not the Thai two.

[newbee2022]

10 minutes ago, damian said:

I like your optimism.

 

Do you also look so positively on the manner in which he has achieved his and his parties current position?

Do you know the story "from Saul to Paul". Well, it's a tale, but maybe possible?

[dinsdale]

Ain't no "dual system" happening here. It's all Thaksin. Next election they'll be kicked out until the CC and EC dissolve the true winners then it'll be back to Thaksin. Only way this won't happen will be a coup.

[newbee2022]

11 minutes ago, MikeandDow said:

 

you do tell a good joke !! Thailand is not a 3rd world country but a 4th  there is no  democracy in thailand but a farce! they can not look after there own people, the welfair system is a farce rather spend money on new planes and submarines for What ???

What I see is your living on a different planet.

The Health Care system in far better in Thailand (,30 Baht) than in NHS. And I suppose you wouldn't like to call UK a 3rd world country? And it's indeed the question if democracy is so desirable when considering that more and more countries abandon this achievement. The welfare system needs a refit and needs funds to hand out reasonable amounts of money when retired. The increasing VAT might be one step and you as taxpayers/personal income tax might be another.

So what?

[Paul52]

13 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

What I see is your living on a different planet.

The Health Care system in far better in Thailand (,30 Baht) than in NHS. And I suppose you wouldn't like to call UK a 3rd world country? And it's indeed the question if democracy is so desirable when considering that more and more countries abandon this achievement. The welfare system needs a refit and needs funds to hand out reasonable amounts of money when retired. The increasing VAT might be one step and you as taxpayers/personal income tax might be another.

So what?

Pure hyperbole, but thanks for lols 🤣

[Tropicalevo]

2 hours ago, MikeandDow said:

democracy

you dont have to have actually killed some one to be called a killer  (War on Drugs he was responible for giving the order) and dual PM is NOT democracy  

 Oh. You mean like Prayut (and others before him) killing protesters. Thank you.

Are we all still pretending that Thailand is a democracy?

[MikeandDow]

1 minute ago, newbee2022 said:

What I see is your living on a different planet.

The Health Care system in far better in Thailand (,30 Baht) than in NHS. And I suppose you wouldn't like to call UK a 3rd world country? And it's indeed the question if democracy is so desirable when considering that more and more countries abandon this achievement. The welfare system needs a refit and needs funds to hand out reasonable amounts of money when retired. The increasing VAT might be one step and you as taxpayers/personal income tax might be another.

So what?

nope on the same planet as you unfortunately  The heath care here is failing its own people bogus doctors, scams,

yes the Uk is a 3rd world country but got nothing to do with this topic ??  if more and more countrys are abanding Democracy Why is Thailand trying to desperately Achive this and failing ???? as for the welfare system it is letting down its own people read the news !!  (small kid left alone and assalted by druggies) Why increase the burdone on the People any more use the money from  money on new planes and submarines for What ???  you have a very limited view need to go back to school

[newbee2022]

16 minutes ago, MikeandDow said:

nope on the same planet as you unfortunately  The heath care here is failing its own people bogus doctors, scams,

yes the Uk is a 3rd world country but got nothing to do with this topic ??  if more and more countrys are abanding Democracy Why is Thailand trying to desperately Achive this and failing ???? as for the welfare system it is letting down its own people read the news !!  (small kid left alone and assalted by druggies) Why increase the burdone on the People any more use the money from  money on new planes and submarines for What ???  you have a very limited view need to go back to school

Well, if I'm going to school then as your teacher🤣

Your world can see only black and white.

However there are many color shades between.

"Bogus doctor" and "scams". This comes with development of this country. It's not a dictatorship like North Korea. And what achievements you can get with a guided democracy takes place now. 

And healthcare is one of the best I've been told by experts.

Drug fighting is a problem in the whole world. Not a special thing in Thailand.

Raping is an issue. It's a crime and has to be followed. The frequency is very high in EU countries. I don't have equivalent figures for Thailand.

Expenses for Arms is ridiculous low. Not even 1.5% of GDP.