In an unprecedented move, a Thai political leader has started her election campaign while eight months pregnant. Pida Daochai, who is running for a seat in parliament, has become a social media sensation as she crisscrosses the province of Chiang Mai, meeting voters and discussing her platform. Her candidacy has challenged traditional perceptions of pregnant women, particularly in conservative societies where childbirth is seen as a primary role. Despite the physical challenges of being heavily pregnant, Daochai is determined to push forward and make a difference in her community. As the Thai election heats up, all eyes are on this inspirational candidate, who is breaking barriers and shattering stereotypes one campaign stop at a time.
Paetongtarn Shinawatra, known as ‘Ung Ing’, has officially launched her campaign to become Thailand’s next prime minister. The daughter of exiled former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is due to give birth to her second child next month, which coincides with the country’s general elections. Although her party, Pheu Thai, has not yet announced its main candidate, Paetongtarn is a favorite in the polls, with 49.75% in favor of her having the best chance to form a majority.
She is a member of Thailand’s powerful Shinawatra clan, whose parties have won the most seats in every election since 2001. Pheu Thai made it clear last November that Paethongtarn’s pregnancy would not prevent her from running for PM.
Notably, current Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and his deputy Prawit Wongsuwon, both generals who led the 2014 coup that ousted Yingluck Shinawatra, Thaksin’s sister, are also running for election. Prayut, who is 69 years old and a staunch defender of the monarchy, is running as a candidate for his pro-military United Thai Nation Party, polling at 11.75% according to the latest survey conducted by NIDA. Meanwhile, the leader of the Palang Pracharath party, Prawit, who is 77 years old, is trailing with just 5%.
Opinion polls show Paetongtarn with a substantial lead, followed by the opposition Move Forward party with 17.40%. It is worth noting that she entered the political arena only a few months ago, and her party has yet to officially announce her as its main candidate.
Paetongtarn, who arrived at the Bangkok center to register as a candidate, spoke of the need to be cautious given her pregnancy. She has quickly become a prominent figure in Thai politics, and if she wins the election, it will mark a significant milestone for women in politics in the country.
The election comes amid ongoing political turmoil in Thailand, with protests being held against the government’s handling of issues such as the COVID-19 pandemic and economic inequality. Many pro-democracy activists have been arrested or faced legal action, raising concerns about the state of democracy in the country.
In recent years, Thailand’s political landscape has been dominated by the Shinawatra clan, with Thaksin Shinawatra serving as prime minister from 2001 to 2006, when he was ousted in a military coup. His sister Yingluck was also prime minister from 2011 to 2014 before being overthrown in another coup.
Paetongtarn’s bid for prime minister may be seen as a continuation of the family’s legacy in Thai politics. Whether or not she wins, her candidacy has already broken down some barriers and opened up new possibilities for women in the country’s political arena.
