Global Courant 2023-04-29 08:45:00
SA KAEOThailand – Politics is a family affair for the Thienthong clan, one of Thailand’s most enduring political dynasties, with five members contesting next month’s general election for two different parties.
They are one of a number of families intertwined with Thai politics – the most famous being the Shinawatras, whose patriarch Thaksin was Prime Minister from 2001 to 2006 and continues to play a major role after his exile abroad.
The financial rewards of elected office – an MP earns around $3,500 (S$4,670) a month – may be little more than loose change for these ultra-wealthy clans, but the influence it brings can be very profitable for their business interests.
The Thienthong family built their wealth with a successful logistics business in their eastern heartland – including a major border crossing into Cambodia – and have dominated the region’s politics since the 1970s.
In the run-up to the May 14 elections, their names appear on campaign posters along the rough country roads of the poor, rural province of Sa Kaeo.
Ms Kwanruen Thienthong, her daughter Treenuch and cousin Sorawong are all contesting the three constituency seats up for grabs in Sa Kaeo.
Sorawong is a candidate for Pheu Thai, the main opposition party that is highly polled, while the two women are members of the military-backed Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) that led the outgoing government coalition.
Mr Sorawong’s brothers are also candidates for Pheu Thai: Surachart in a constituency in Bangkok and Surakiat on the party list.
“Politics is politics. Family is family. We have different positions in politics, but we are still family,” Sorawong said.
Ms Treenuch started her career more than 20 years ago as an MP in a pro-Pheu Thai party, but moved to PPRP, was re-elected in 2019 and serves as Education Minister.
For voters in Sa Kaeo, the family’s track record is more important than party names or political ideology.
“They go to every area and if work is needed or help is requested from the local people, they help,” Treenuch supporter Sirinthip Sawangkloi told AFP at a noisy rally.
