(Image source: Business Insider)

BY UNA LUE

ANCHOR CHRISTINA HARTMAN

Thailand’s opposition party Pheu Thai has won a landslide victory in national elections -- making Yingluck Shinawatra the country’s first female premier.

“The current prime minister has conceded defeat after exit polls showed the Pheu Thai party were set to win a parliamentary majority. Yingluck Shinawatra – a business executive with no background in politics – now looks likely to become the country’s first woman prime minister." (euronews)

Analysts say Yingluck has little experience.
But her most powerful attribute -- is the simple fact that her brother is exiled former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
CNN explains.

“Many people who in the end vote Pheu Thai party have been real supportive of Thaksin Shinawatra, who was the prime minster back 2005 ousted by military coup. They really like to see him back. In having her there, she happens to be his sister.“

With backing from the Red Shirts - a group of pro-Thaksin supporters - the Pheu Thai party won 313 seats in Thailand’s 500-seat parliament.
But the Guardian warns - this won’t pave a smooth ride for Yingluck - who could be stuck with the baggage her brother left behind.

“Thaksin, a billionaire ex-telecoms tycoon, is a polarising figure in Thailand. The rural poor regard him as a champion but urban elites condemn him as corrupt and autocratic.”


As the new leader of Thailand, Yingluck says the economy will be her top priority. But a Wall Street Journal opinion piece suggests her - nation’s divide will be the real test.

“Thai society remains highly polarized....the next government will need to embark on the process of revising the constitution to create robust and independent institutions to govern the political process. Without such reforms, political uncertainty will continue to hold back Thailand's development. “