Srettha Thavisin has become Thailand’s 30th prime minister after being endorsed by royal command.
The property tycoon turned politician – one of coalition leader Pheu Thai’s three prime ministerial candidates – managed to secure the required parliamentary majority on Tuesday despite being hit by a barrage of criticism. Srettha won 482 votes (of 330 MPs and 152 senators) with 165 votes against (152 MPs and 13 senators), and 81 abstentions (13 MPs and 68 senators).
Critics have questioned Srettha’s integrity and his qualifications to lead the next government. Among them is political whistleblower Chuwit Kamolvisit, who accused the incoming prime minister of facilitating tax evasion, an allegation that Srettha denied while accusing Chuwit of blackmail.
Many of the senators who voted for Srettha are close to outgoing PM Prayut Chan-o-cha – including his younger brother…
