Thai property tycoon Srettha eyes promotion to prime minister

Pheu Thai party would prioritize trade agreements with EU, Africa, Middle East

While Thais enjoyed the five-day Songkran weekend, Srettha Thavisin was busy campaigning along the southwest coast in a red shirt typical for Pheu Thai supporters. (Photo by Francesca Regalado)

FRANCESCA REGALADO, Nikkei staff writer

April 19, 2023 11:30 JST

HUA HIN, Thailand -- Winning a clear majority in Thailand's upcoming general elections would guarantee that Pheu Thai, the largest opposition party, can carry out its policies of a 10,000 baht ($291) digital payout and an expansion of Thailand's trade relations, said one of the party's prime ministerial candidates.

"The first step is to make sure that Pheu Thai can win a majority, so that we can form a single-party government without having an excuse later on to explain why we cannot do it," said Srettha Thavisin.