Speculation is mounting that the Pheu Thai Party has approached Varawut Silpa-archa, leader of the Chartthaipattana Party, to serve as one of its prime ministerial candidates, amid reports of efforts by the Shinawatra family to salvage Pheu Thai’s image.
A source in Pheu Thai said former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, seen as the de facto leader of the party, approached Mr Varawut to take the helm and possibly become one of its three prime ministerial candidates. Mr Varawut, who is reported to be away overseas, has yet to respond.
Mr Varawut, whose party holds 10 House seats, is the son of the late former premier Banharn Silpa-arch. He is seen as a rising new-generation politician with a conciliatory image that could help broaden Pheu Thai’s appeal.
The source added that Thaksin, serving a one-year jail term, reportedly offered Mr Varawut the post of foreign minister in exchange for merging Chartthaipattana with Pheu Thai when the Bhumjaithai Party exited the coalition government — a proposal Mr Varawut declined at the time.
Pheu Thai veteran Somsak Thepsutin said on Thursday that Mr Varawut enjoys considerable support. He described him as a young, well-mannered politician, but said it is too early to say whether he will accept the offer.
Pheu Thai secretary-general Sorawong Thienthong said the report caught him off guard and questioned its origin.
He said the matter should first be discussed between the leaders of the two parties.
Thanaporn Sriyakul, director of the Institute of Political and Policy Analysis, said Mr Varawut could be an attractive candidate for Pheu Thai given his calibre and network.