Thai prime ministerial candidate returns to campaign two days after giving birth

Patongtarn Shinawatra says that «good things come with children.» when she returns to work after the birth of her son. Credit: MANAN VATSYAYANA/AFP

Thai election leader is back on the campaign trail two days after giving birth.

Pathongtarn Shinawatra said her new baby boy will not affect her ability to garner support for her Pheu party Thai just under two weeks before the election. She is running for the country's prime minister.

“I believe that good things come with children,” she said, sitting next to her husband Pidok Suksavas. “I believe that children are my secret strength that allows me to work and go about my daily life.”

Her newborn child was brought to the press conference room in the hospital in a mobile incubator, and then carried out again.

p>p> Ms Petongtarn standing next to her newborn son from left to right, her husband Pidok Suksawas, mother Pojaman Na Pombeira and sister Pinthongta Shinawatra Photo: Sakchai Lalit/AP

Ms Patongtarn is the youngest daughter of Thaksin Shinawatra, a popular but divisive former prime minister who was overthrown in a 2006 military coup. She is also the niece of Yingluck Shinawatra, whose government suffered the same fate eight years later.

Thaksin, who was in exile after the 2006 coup, tweeted on Monday after giving birth that he would like to be allowed to return home. to see their grandchildren, ending the tweet with «see you soon». He lives abroad to avoid jail time for abuse of power, a sentence he called politically motivated.

Ms. Patongtarn downplayed the message, saying it was just a natural expression of a grandfather who was «very happy and excited.» There have been concerns that Thaksin's return to Thailand could lead to destabilization.

“Of course, what he said will have a political effect,” Ms Patongtarn said. «However, as a family, I think there's nothing wrong with hoping for it, especially when something good happens to the family.»

Patongtarn Shinawatra (right) with his father Thaksin after he became the Prime Minister of Thailand in 2001. Credit: AP Photo/Sakchai lalit

Ms Patongtarn campaigned throughout her pregnancy. She and the Thai Pheu Party have consistently topped opinion polls as the favorite candidate for Thailand's prime minister and the next government. On Wednesday, she took the opportunity to emphasize that she is 100% sure of a convincing victory.

“I would like to ask the Thai people to stay strong because this vote is unlike any other,” she said. “Thailand can no longer just hope for the best. Thailand needs a change and only Pheu Thai Party is the best answer for Thais now.”

Analysts have praised Ms. Patongtarn for her strong public performance, though her father's residual popularity remains a factor behind her. its popularity, especially among poor and working Thais. Mr. Thaksin, the populist billionaire, has defended the poor during his time in office and reaped the benefits during the elections.

Even if the Pheu Thai party wins a major victory in the May 14th general election, ensure that Mr. Ms. Patongtarn will become prime minister. The highest office is chosen by a vote involving both houses of parliament. This includes the Senate, which was appointed by a junta led by current Thai Prime Minister and candidate Prayut Chan-ocha, not by the public. He received all the senators' votes after the 2019 election.