Election

Education minister’s wife plans to run for governor of Bangkok

Published

Friday, January 22, 2021 17:33

The education minister of Thailand’s wife is planning to run for the governor of Bangkok when the city poll is called, in a move that puts her in direct competition with others for the backing of the ruling Palang Pracharath Party.

Nataphol Teepsuwan confirmed on Friday that his wife Taya Teepsuwan, a former core member of the now-defunct Peoples’ Democratic Reform Committee, would contest the unscheduled gubernatorial election.

Natapol met briefly with PM Prayut, with some speculating that the Government House meeting was centred around his wife’s future political career. But Natapol denied that was the focus of the meeting.

Her decision to run could be problematic as Bangkok governor Aswin Kwanmuang or former police chief Chakthip Chaijinda are expected to run under the Palang Pracharath banner. Both of those candidates were close to the party back when PM Prayut was the junta leader.

Chakthip has given signs of his intentions to run as he set up a Facebook page this month, while Aswin has not officially made up his mind whether to run or stand aside for the former national police chief.

But Natapol says his wife, who is a former deputy Bangkok governor, plans to a run as an independent if she is passed over by Palang Pracharath. The education minister said he had informed party leader Prawit Wongsuwon of his wife’s intention.

Taya is the youngest child and only daughter of the late business tycoon Chalermbhand and Khunying Sasima Srivikorn. Along with her husband, she co-founded the Rugby International School in Chonburi.

Taya was also the managing director of Srivikorn School and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from Thailand’s Chulalongkorn University as well as a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the Sasin Graduate Institute of Business Administration at Chulalongkorn University. She also has a Master’s in Analysis, Design and Management of Information Systems from The London School of Economics & Political Science.

SOURCE: Bangkok Post

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6 Comments

Mr cynic

Friday, January 22, 2021 at 6:17 pm

If foreign residents of thailand were permitted to vote on this matter i would certainly give her one of my votes anyday of the week.
im sure she would get things done as opposed to screeming and shouting and banging on and on about things.
if you look at the statistics the thaiger has provided it is quite obvious she is not the all mouth and no trousers type.
she’d get it off me if i was a voter,that’for sure.

Reply
- gosport
  
  Friday, January 22, 2021 at 7:25 pm
  
  Any nation permits foreign residents to vote?
  
  Nothing new under the old Sun.
  
  Reply
  - Michael
    
    Friday, January 22, 2021 at 8:02 pm
    
    In most countries foreign residents get a passport after a couple of years.
    
    And that passport comes with the right to vote.
    
    I know… Not in Thailand.
    
    Reply
Toby Andrews

Friday, January 22, 2021 at 11:55 pm

Jobs for the boys, or girls that KNOW PEOPLE.
I an certain Somsee that runs a noodle stall would not get the chance.

Reply
Ian

Saturday, January 23, 2021 at 6:53 pm

Exactly Toby the rot goes on now the currupts wife’s want a piece of the cake I say to President Biden please get rid of this government by whatever means you have at your disposal

Reply
James Pate

Sunday, January 24, 2021 at 10:53 am

She does not look happy in the photo. I wonder why. She’ll need better photos for her campaign posters, that’s for sure.

Reply