Thailand's new head of government hails from the Pheu Thai Party (PTP), the second-largest faction in Parliament. Srettha Thavisin, a 61-year-old real estate tycoon, was elected Prime Minister on 22nd August 2023 after PTP succeeded in building a coalition with the military-dominated parties of the previous government, its traditional rivals. The new PTP government announced its intention to boost the economy with several subsidy schemes and a pragmatic, trade-oriented stance on the international stage. For the many Thais who voted in favor of structural reforms and the introduction of stronger democratic institutions, the new administration lacks legitimacy. While the new government has been generally accepted internationally, it remains to be seen whether pro-reform Thais will stay off the streets until the next elections, when they will be able to try, once again, to elect a government that reflects their wishes.
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