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Thailand’s recent politics seems to have had even more drama than a Bollywood flick packed with thrills, chills and thrusts.
In a recent twist in Thailand’s politics, ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s brother-in-law has been elected as the country’s fourth prime minister in two years. The election comes after the country declared emergency two weeks ago following mass demonstrations outside the prime minister’s office compound and the seat of government. Overcoming internal party politics, Mr Somchai won the parliamentary vote 298 to 163.
The New York Times said the new prime minister, Somchai Wongsawat, 61, is a long standing judge and senior bureaucrat who is married to Taksin Shinawatra’s younger sister. The opposition party, People’s Alliance for Democracy, contend that blood might be thicker than water – allowing for the the governing People Power Party, or P.P.P., to carry out Mr. Thaksin’s orders and plot to quash the cases against him so he can return.
Mr. Thaksin, is a telecommunications billionaire who was ousted as prime minister in a coup two years ago. Living as a fugitive in London, he remains one of Thailand’s most influential figures. Most political analysts say Taksin’s impact and influence within the P.P.P. and Thailand maybe waning.
Mr. Somchai said his connection to Mr. Thaksin would not compromise his conduct in office. “Our government does not come here to protect the interests of any particular individual, but comes to protect the interests of every Thai,” he told the New York Times.
Mr. Somchai was named caretaker prime minister last week after Samak Sundaravej was removed for a conflict of interest in accepting pay for appearing on a televised cooking show. Mr. Samak served in the top post for just over six months.
