Who is Thai PM hopeful Srettha Thavisin? — BenarNews

UPDATED at 11:36 a.m. EDT on 2023-08-18

At 1.92-meters (6 feet, 3 inches) tall, Srettha Thavisin towers over other politicians vying to become Thailand’s first civilian prime minister after more than nine years of military-backed rule.

Despite only entering politics in November, the 61-year-old property tycoon has emerged as the frontrunner to lead Southeast Asia’s second largest economy.

Known for his straight-talking style, Srettha was appointed as chief advisor to the “Pheu Thai family,” headed by Paetongtarn Shinawatra, in the lead up to the May general election and quickly became one of the party’s most recognizable faces. On Aug. 2, Pheu Thai announced it would nominate him for prime minister.

As an outsider who has never held office, the businessman nicknamed Nid (which means little) was never considered Pheu Thai’s first choice…