BANGKOK — Pheu Thai Party released the biography of Chaikasem Nitisiri, their remaining prime ministerial candidate, while negotiating with the opposition People’s Party for support. The veteran lawyer, who turned 77 on August 26, represents a dramatic political reversal as Pheu Thai courts their former rivals.
The two parties have been bitter enemies since 2023, when Pheu Thai abandoned the People’s Party (then Move Forward) after failed attempts to make Pita Limjaroenrat prime minister. Pheu Thai instead formed a government with rival parties, including Bhumjaithai, leaving the People’s Party in opposition.
Last Candidate Standing
The political landscape shifted when Paetongtarn Shinawatra was removed by the Constitutional Court on August 29 over leaked audio of border talks with Cambodia’s Hun Sen. Bhumjaithai’s Anutin Charnvirakul quickly moved to form a new government, personally approaching the People’s Party the same day.
Chaikasem is Pheu Thai’s sole remaining option after both Srettha Thavisin and Paetongtarn were ousted by court rulings. Despite recovering from a stroke during the 2023 campaign, he has worked behind the scenes as an advisor to both previous prime ministers.
Legal Veteran
The veteran prosecutor served as Attorney General (2007-2009) and Justice Minister under Yingluck Shinawatra. He holds law degrees from Chulalongkorn University and Columbia University, beginning his prosecutorial career in 1973.
After retirement, he entered politics as Justice Minister under Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra’s government from 2013, playing a key role in judicial reform policies.
Chaikasem led government negotiations during the 2014 coup attempt and advocates for constitutional reform. He proposes explicitly stating that “coups constitute criminal rebellion with no statute of limitations to prevent future power seizures.”
Thai media suggests the People’s Party appears more receptive to Anutin’s direct approach than Pheu Thai’s negotiations, as Chaikasem has remained largely out of public view during the current political crisis.
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