Thailand’s Pheu Thai Nominates Shinawatra Nephew for Prime Minister

Post by : Saif Nasser

Thailand’s Pheu Thai party is placing its hopes on a new member of the Shinawatra family as it prepares for the general elections on February 8, 2026. With party founder Thaksin Shinawatra serving a one-year prison sentence, Pheu Thai has chosen his nephew, Yodchanan Wongsawat, as its main candidate for prime minister.

Yodchanan, 46, is the son of former Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat and nephew of Thaksin. Although new to frontline politics, he said he draws strength from the Shinawatra family legacy, which has dominated Thai politics for more than two decades. “I’m the very small guy, but I’m on the shoulder of a giant,” Yodchanan told Reuters, acknowledging the family’s influence.

Thaksin was jailed in September for avoiding a previous sentence over conflict of interest and abuse of power during his 2001-2006 term as prime minister. Meanwhile, Thaksin’s daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, was removed from office in August following a court ruling over a leaked phone call involving Cambodia’s former leader, Hun Sen. Tensions with Cambodia continue, with conflicts resurfacing in December.

Political turmoil has weakened Pheu Thai’s support. A December survey by the National Institute of Development Administration showed the party at just 11.04% support, down from 13.96% in September and 28.05% in March. The elections were called earlier than expected after Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul dissolved parliament following disagreements with opposition groups.

Despite these challenges, Yodchanan believes Pheu Thai can still win by promoting its policies, including universal healthcare and cash handouts, which have historically appealed to rural voters. “We still believe we can win,” he said. “If we can communicate our vision clearly, people will support us.”

Yodchanan’s background is in science and academia. He holds a PhD from the University of Texas at Arlington and is a professor of biomedical engineering at Mahidol University in Bangkok. While his political experience is limited—having served mainly as an adviser on technology policies—he hopes his skills in managing complex projects will help him lead effectively.

Pheu Thai has a history of nominating political newcomers successfully. Yingluck Shinawatra became prime minister in 2011, followed by Srettha Thavisin and Paetongtarn Shinawatra in 2023. Yodchanan now steps into a similar role, facing challenges including nationalist sentiment and ongoing tensions with Cambodia.

Analysts expect the upcoming election may not produce a clear majority. Yodchanan has expressed willingness to join a coalition government if needed. “We want to win, obviously,” he said. “But if we cannot, we can partner with a party that shares our goals.”

As Thailand heads toward elections, Pheu Thai faces the dual task of leveraging the Shinawatra family’s legacy while convincing voters it can offer fresh leadership. Yodchanan’s candidacy will be closely watched, and the outcome could reshape Thailand’s political landscape.