A real estate magnate who recently joined the country’s largest opposition party announced he had taken temporary leave from his company, Sansiri, to focus on politics as Thailand’s general election nears.
Srettha Thavisin this morning announced that he was on unpaid leave so that he could commit to the Pheu Thai Party, which he officially joined last week as senior economic adviser and likely PM candidate.
Srettha said joining Pheu Thai was an “opportunity” for him to change Thailand for the better and restore its stature in the international community.
“I am determined to bring my experience, knowledge and skills to help propel Thailand’s economy and society forward, accelerating the development of Thailand to become great in the eyes of the global community again,” Srettha wrote in a letter addressed to his Sansiri colleagues.
He added his priorities were to reduce economic and social disparities that have “worsened in the past few years,” steering some shade at the military-backed government led by Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha for nearly a decade.
The 60-year-old Sansiri CEO officially joined last week to provide wisdom on economic matters in the run-up to the general election.
He signaled at the time that he was not interested in a cabinet post, though Pheu Thai’s primary pick for premier will be the latest leader to bear the name Shinawatra: Paetongtarn, daughter of Thaksin.
Thaksin was ousted by the militaey in 2008; his sister Yingluck’s government was overthrown by Prayuth in 2014.
Srettha has recently emerged as a vocal critic of the military-backed government’s policies, particularly through his Twitter account. He has publicly advocated for fair access to economic opportunities and said that reducing inequality should be on the national agenda.
Under Thailand’s new constitution, political parties can name up to three candidates for premier prior to the election.
Sansiri PLC is one of Thailand’s largest property developers and is responsible for hundreds of projects nationwide. This year, the company aims to launch over 50 projects worth THB75 billion altogether.
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