Paetongtarn’s appointments seen as preparation for future prime ministerial role

Observers reckon that Paetongtarn is being groomed to become a future prime minister. She was one of Pheu Thai’s prime ministerial candidates in the May 14 general election, but the party opted to nominate Srettha for the parliamentary vote on August 22.

Now calls are growing among Pheu Thai politicians for Paetongtarn to become the party’s next leader, replacing Cholnan Srikaew, who stepped down to take responsibility for failing to keep a promise that Pheu Thai would not work with parties linked to someone from the post-coup junta. Cholnan has since been appointed the public health minister.

Paetongtarn, 37, is the youngest daughter of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who is regarded as Pheu Thai’s patriarch.

The Shinawatra family has retained much influence in the ruling coalition’s core partner, though no family members hold any executive party…