Srettha Thavisin

Srettha Thavisin
Name	Srettha Thavisin
Office	Prime Minister of Thailand
Term start	2023
Monarch	Maha Vajiralongkorn
Predecessor	Prayut Chan-o-cha
Birth date	15 February 1962
Birth place	Bangkok, Thailand
Party	Pheu Thai Party
Alma mater	Claremont McKenna College, University of Massachusetts Lowell
Occupation	Businessman, politician

Srettha Thavisin is a Thai businessman and politician who has served as the Prime Minister of Thailand since 2023. A prominent real estate executive before entering politics, he was selected as the prime ministerial candidate for the Pheu Thai Party following the 2023 Thai general election. His appointment followed a complex parliamentary process and marked a significant shift in the nation's political landscape after nearly a decade of military-aligned rule under Prayut Chan-o-cha.

Early life and education

Srettha Thavisin was born on 15 February 1962 in Bangkok. He is a member of a well-established business family with interests in the Thai textile industry. For his secondary education, he attended Assumption College in the capital. He then pursued higher education in the United States, earning a bachelor's degree in economics and mathematics from Claremont McKenna College in California. He later obtained a Master of Business Administration from the University of Massachusetts Lowell, solidifying his academic foundation in business and finance before returning to Thailand.

Business career

Srettha built a highly successful career in the Thai property development sector. He is best known as the former president and chief executive officer of Sansiri, one of Thailand's largest and most prominent real estate development companies. Under his leadership, which spanned over two decades, Sansiri expanded significantly, undertaking major residential and commercial projects across Bangkok and key tourist destinations like Phuket and Chiang Mai. His business acumen earned him recognition in circles such as the Thai Chamber of Commerce and established him as a leading figure in the Asian real estate market.

Entry into politics

Srettha formally entered politics in 2022 by joining the Pheu Thai Party, the latest iteration of the political movement associated with the Shinawatra family. His entry was seen as part of a strategy to bring experienced technocrats and business leaders into the party's fold. Following the 2023 Thai general election, where Pheu Thai Party finished second behind the Move Forward Party, complex coalition negotiations ensued. After Move Forward's candidate Pita Limjaroenrat was blocked from securing the premiership, Pheu Thai Party led efforts to form a new coalition, selecting Srettha as its prime ministerial nominee.

Prime Minister of Thailand

Srettha Thavisin was elected as the 30th Prime Minister of Thailand by a joint session of the National Assembly in August 2023, receiving support from a coalition that included former rivals like the Palang Pracharath Party and the United Thai Nation Party. His appointment was endorsed by King Maha Vajiralongkorn. His government's formation marked a return to power for Pheu Thai Party-led civilian government after years of administration under former army chief Prayut Chan-o-cha. Key early challenges included managing a sluggish post-pandemic Thai economy and navigating the nation's deep political divisions.

Political positions and policies

Srettha's policy platform has emphasized economic revitalization, often described as a form of Thaksinomics, referencing the populist economic policies of former premier Thaksin Shinawatra. Key initiatives have included a proposed digital wallet stimulus scheme, efforts to attract foreign investment and tourism, and addressing household debt. In foreign policy, his administration has sought to strengthen ties with major partners like China, the United States, and members of the ASEAN. His government has also faced scrutiny over its stance on reforming Thailand's lèse-majesté law, a highly sensitive issue in Thai politics.

Personal life

Srettha is married to Dr. Pakpilai Thavisin, a well-known dermatologist. The couple has three children. He is known to maintain a network of connections within Thai business elite circles and is an avid golfer. His transition from a corporate CEO to the head of government has placed his family life and previous business dealings under considerable public and media scrutiny in Thailand.

Category:Prime Ministers of Thailand Category:Pheu Thai Party politicians Category:Thai businesspeople Category:1962 births Category:Living people