A Thai political party has nominated the King's sister as its candidate for prime minister in March elections -- an unprecedented move that could upend the political landscape and give the revered monarchy an overt role in politics. Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya, the 67-year-old elder sister of King Vajiralongkorn, will run for the Thai Raksa Chart Party (Thai Save The Nation) aligned with populist former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted by the military in a 2005 coup.
One of her leading opponents will be the military-backed current Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-Cha, who announced his own candidacy Friday. Thai Raksa Chart Party chief Lt. Preechapon Pongpanich confirmed the announcement in a statement on Friday. "After the meeting among our executives, we have concluded to send Princess Ubolratana as our PM candidate. She is knowledgeable and capable person," he said. "After the meeting we reached out to her, and she has been gracefully kind and accepted our invitation."
One of her leading opponents will be the military-backed current Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-Cha, who announced his own candidacy Friday. Thai Raksa Chart Party chief Lt. Preechapon Pongpanich confirmed the announcement in a statement on Friday. "After the meeting among our executives, we have concluded to send Princess Ubolratana as our PM candidate. She is knowledgeable and capable person," he said. "After the meeting we reached out to her, and she has been gracefully kind and accepted our invitation."
