New premier’s father will have key role in Thailand

Significance Pheu Thai remains under the influence of its founder Thaksin Shinawatra, Paetongtarn’s father and a former prime minister (2001-06). On August 19, the Criminal Court said the next hearing in a case in which he faces lese majeste and computer crime charges would take place in July 2025. Impacts Pheu Thai’s links with conservative parties will encourage some supporters to shift their loyalties to more progressive parties. The People’s Party, the new iteration of the dissolved Move Forward Party, will be especially popular among young voters. Yingluck Shinawatra, Thaksin’s sister and a former premier (2011-14), may look to return from self-exile.