Thai Prime Minister-Elect Comes from Film Industry Background

Though it’s too early to ascertain her political agenda, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thailand’s new prime minister, brings a notable heritage in the film industry, along with some family baggage.

Elected by parliament just two days after a Constitutional Court ruling ousted her predecessor Srettha Thavisin, Shinawatra is now the youngest PM, the second woman PM, and the third family member to hold Thailand’s top political post. Her father, Thaksin Shinawatra, and aunt, Yingluck Shinawatra, were similarly elected but later removed via military coups in 2006 and 2014, respectively.

Shinawatra leads the Pheu Thai Party, which ascended to power last year. The Move Forward Party, which dominated the May 2023 general election, was barred by establishment forces from leading a government. Recently, the same Constitutional Court outlawed Move Forward and banned its leaders from holding political office for a decade.

According to protocol, the parliamentary pick for PM only becomes official once the king endorses it. Until then, Shinawatra remains tight-lipped about her policies or cabinet choices, which also require royal approval.

For millions of low-paid Thai citizens, addressing Thavisin’s proposal to distribute THB10,000 ($280) through a digital wallet scheme is a significant concern. Many also look for efforts to revitalize Thailand’s struggling, tourism-dependent economy. The film and TV industries can expect a sympathetic ear and perhaps more substantial measures.

Shinawatra’s family background in cinema—her father and grandfather were cinema operators—aligns well with the Pheu Thai Party’s emphasis on boosting Thailand’s “soft power” abroad.

Previously, the Thavisin government proposed launching a significant cultural support body, the Thailand Creative Culture Agency, with a THB7 billion ($200 million) budget, covering areas like film, TV, Muay Thai boxing, and cuisine.

Initially expected to take shape by 2025, Shinawatra’s role as head of a subcommittee aimed to hasten reforms in the feature film and long-form documentary sectors under the previous PM.

Reforms have included reducing censorship burdens, creating a body to facilitate location shooting and permits, and enhancing rebate programs for inbound productions. The goal is to grow the local industry significantly.

Thailand’s current rebate program offers a 15% rebate with an additional 5% for projects incorporating large local components but has been capped at $2.25 million. Despite the low subsidy ceiling, Thailand has recently attracted major inbound productions such as the “Alien” series, “The White Lotus” Season 3, and parts of “Jurassic World 4.”

Additionally, the rising popularity of the “Boys Love” or “BL” TV genre and the regional success of the hit film “How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies” indicate positive momentum for Thai-produced entertainment.

Nonetheless, Shinawatra must tread carefully to avoid antagonizing the establishment. Her father, back in Thailand after more than a decade of exile, has so far been treated leniently. However, he faces potential indictment in a royal insult case, serving as a political hostage to ensure the new PM doesn’t veer too radically.

Source: Various