Given the shakiness of Pheu Thai’s supporter base, Yodchanan will need to prove he can bring a fresh approach to the party, said Stithorn.
“I think many, many eyes are looking at him. Can he do something different from the other Shinawatras before or not?,” he said.
Pheu Thai also needs to overcome perceptions that it is simply part of a dynastic system for family members, some of whom may not be the best-suited for national leadership, said Somchai Srisutthiyakorn, Thailand’s former election commissioner.
“With this dynastic mode, the question becomes whether these people truly have ability or are just images created to gain acceptance,” he said.
“We see a mixture: Some are genuinely talented, others are not.”
A LEGACY DILUTED?
The analysts said they expect the party to focus mostly on consolidating or even strengthening its stronghold in the north of Thailand, where Thaksin still commands some love and respect, given his deep and long-lasting ties to the region.
He was born and raised in Chiang Mai province and his family has long been established in the north.
In 2023, however, the party struggled in its traditional heartland.
While it held onto many seats in Thailand’s north, it saw its grip loosen as newer parties like Move Forward Party won key northern constituencies. In the northern city of Chiang Mai, Pheu Thai won only two of the 10 seats up for grabs.
Napon said there have been clear signs on this year’s campaign trail that Pheu Thai is shifting its resources and attention to the north.
Despite losing ground in key areas last election, the party still managed to win 141 seats, the second-highest behind Move Forward Party, which is now the People’s Party.
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/thailand-election-2026-thaksin-pheu-thai-yodchanan-5895876
