The 2024 General Elections are nearing, and the political parties are gearing up for their strategy. PM Modi attends the BJP National Office bearer's meeting and advises party workers to go amidst people & interact. Watch the video to know more!

PM Modi outlines BJP's strategy for 2024 Elections

Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee -- who declared yesterday that the INDIA bloc will not take a call on its Prime Ministerial candidate until after the Lok Sabha election -- took a 180-degree turn today by proposing Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge's name for the position.

India: Mamata Banerjee proposes Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge as PM  face of INDIA bloc

Political parties are gearing up for general elections in 2024. The ruling party BJP will fight elections on PM Modi's face. Meanwhile, opposition bloc 'INDIA' is facing a dilemma & a conflict. INDI Alliance is unable to unite on their PM candidate. Watch this video for all details.

Rift in the INDIA bloc? Leaders divided over the opposition's PM face

Indian PM Narendra Modi retained his position as the world's most popular leader with an approval rating of 76 percent, as per the data released by US-based consultancy firm ‘Morning Consult’ on December 7. Mexico President Andrés Manuel López Obrador is ranked second on the list with an approval rating of 66 percent.

Indian PM Modi tops list of most popular global leaders with 76% rating

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is struggling to avert a leadership crisis. His plan to revive the Rwanda immigration policy has led to turmoil in his party and the resignation of his immigration minister. Is Sunak's premiership in trouble?

Gravitas: Will the Tories rebel against Sunak

UAE Ambassador to India, Abdulnasser Alshaali, conveyed his optimism about the ongoing COP28 climate summit in Dubai, emphasizing the UAE's proactive approach. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, he said, "We make things happen. And this is something that the UAE has been known for. So we don't just come out with big announcements or big initiatives that we want to work on or we want to target". The summit has seen several declarations so far, including agreement on loss and damage fund for which UAE contributed $100 million. He dismissed concerns about an oil-producing nation hosting such a summit, asserting, "by being able to achieve such a milestone...we can be both and we can make sure that all countries can have some sort of an agreement with those multiple declarations." On the Indian PM's participation in the climate summit, Alshaali stated it was a "testament to the relationship between the two countries," particularly with both nations co-hosting the Global Green Credit Initiative. He also extended his country's support to India's bid to host the 2028 COP33 summit.

"We make things happen", UAE Envoy Abdulnasser Alshaali upbeat on COP28's progress

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has appealed to his ruling conservative party to unite behind his plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda. He has warned that if he toughened it any further, the whole scheme could collapse. The Rwanda plan is at the center of Sunak’s immigration policy, and its success is likely to be key to the fortunes of his conservative party.

British PM Sunak appeals to his party to unite behind Rwanda plan

The results for the assembly elections 2023 in four states - Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Rajasthan are set to be announced today. The counting of votes has started amid tight security arrangements.

Assembly Elections Results: Congress strong-hold in southern India

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday wrapped up his day-long visit to the UAE after successfully attending the World Climate Action Summit.

COP-28 Summit: After engagements with leaders, Indian PM wraps up UAE visit

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's selfie with his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni has broken the internet. The Italian leader's selfie with PM Modi caught the attention of netizens with her caption and hashtag which read Melodi, a fusion of the surname of both leaders.

Indian PM Narendra Modi's selfie with Meloni breaks internet

The second Voice of Global South summit is set to begin in virtual mode on Friday (Nov 17). This is the second time that India is hosting the summit since January this year.

India`s emphasis on Global South`s interests made G20 summit a success: Indian PM Modi

PM Modi inaugurated DAKSHIN, a Global South Centre of Excellence, to promote dialogue & cooperation among Global South countries.

Indian PM Narendra Modi inaugurates Global South Centre of Excellence

As voters in the Netherlands go to the polls on 22 November, here's everything you need to know about the election.

Dutch PM race: Key players in the election

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty celebrated Diwali with members of the Hindu community in Britain this Wednesday.

Diwali at Downing Street: PM Rishi Sunak, Akshata Murty celebrate the festival of lights

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar is scheduled to fly to Uzbekistan today, Wednesday, where he will attend the 16th Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Summit to discuss issues related to enhanced trade and regional connectivity.

Taliban did nothing against terrorism: Pakistan Caretaker PM

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will embark on the visit of five nations, whose conclusion will be marked by his visit to India to participate in the 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in November, the State Department informed in a statement. Blinken will be visiting Israel, Jordan, Japan, South Korea and lastly, India.

U.S.' Llyod Austin and  Antony Blinken to travel to India for 2+2 Ministerial dialogue

The longtime boyfriend of Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni, television journalist Andrea Giambruno, who recently faced backlash for sexist remarks he made on broadcast, and Meloni announced their split on Friday.

Italian PM Giorgia Meloni parts ways with journalist Andrea Giambruno

Pakistan's former prime minister Nawaz Sharif on Friday (Oct 6) submitted his medical reports to the Lahore High Court (LHC) in anticipation of seeking protective bail ahead of his scheduled return to the country on October 21.

Ex-Pak PM Nawaz Sharif submits medical reports to court for protective bail

After reaching an agreement with like-minded countries to strengthen cooperation on the matter, the prime leaders of the UK and Italy have banded together to demand more stringent measures on irregular migration throughout Europe. On Thursday in Granada, Spain, 47 European leaders convened for a meeting of the European Political Community, which Rishi Sunak and Giorgia Meloni hosted as side events

UK PM Rishi Sunak and Italy PM Giorgia Meloni call for tougher EU action on migration

Bangladesh on Sunday blocked ailing key opposition leader and two-time former premier Khaleda Zia from travelling abroad for life-saving medical treatment, an official and supporters said.

Bangladesh bars former PM Khaleda Zia from going abroad for life-saving treatment

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 105th episode of his monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat' on Sunday. This series provides a platform for Modi to share inspiring life stories from across India, discuss current national developments, highlight achievements, and touch upon significant news events since the last episode. The program was aired at 11 a.m.

Mann Ki Baat 105th Edition: ‘G20 doubled the joy of every Indian,’ says Indian PM Modi

<p>In a display of diplomatic courtesy, the Indian government extended an offer of assistance to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau after his official aircraft encountered technical difficulties during his visit to India for the G20 summit. Prime Minister Trudeau's visit to India, which commenced on September 8, was marred by an unexpected turn of events when his plane suffered a technical snag, stranding him in Delhi for over 36 hours.</p>

<p>He left Delhi, with his delegation on Tuesday at around 2 PM IST. &nbsp;The Indian government, acting swiftly and proactively, offered the services of India's official aircraft, Air India One, to facilitate Trudeau's immediate departure.</p>

<p>Air India One, also known as India 1, is operated by the Indian Air Force and is reserved for use by the President, Vice President, and Prime Minister of India.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/morocco-ambassador-maliki-welcomes-indias-offer-of-assistance-after-deadly-earthquake-635132">Morocco Ambassador Maliki welcomes India's offer of assistance after deadly earthquake</a></p>

<p>However, Canada's response to India's generous offer raised eyebrows. It took six hours for Canada to convey their regret and decline the offer, stating their intention to await the arrival of their own aircraft.</p>

<p>This delay in response added an element of intrigue to the already complicated diplomatic relationship between the two nations.</p>

<p>The development coincided with a controversial referendum held by pro-Khalistani elements in Surrey, Canada, on Sunday. This development raised eyebrows in India, particularly because it occurred on the same day that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Justin Trudeau met on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Delhi.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-nipah-virus-alert-in-keralas-kozhikode-after-two-unnatural-deaths-reported-in-district-635097">India: Nipah virus alert in Kerala's Kozhikode after two 'unnatural deaths' reported in district</a></p>

<p>During their meeting, Prime Minister Modi expressed strong concerns about the continuing anti-India activities of extremist elements in Canada.</p>

<p>An Indian govt readout said, Indian side conveyed its "strong concerns about continuing anti-India activities of extremist elements in Canada" who are "promoting secessionism and inciting violence against Indian diplomats, damaging diplomatic premises, and threatening the Indian community in Canada and their places of worship".</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Can India amplify the voice of the global south?</strong></p>

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<p>It explained that the nexus of such "forces with organised crime, drug syndicates and human trafficking should be a concern for Canada as well. It is essential for the two countries to cooperate in dealing with such threats".</p>

<p>Prime Minister Modi emphasised the importance of a relationship based on mutual respect and trust for the progress of India-Canada relations</p>

<p>This incident echoes Trudeau's 2018 visit to India, which was also marked by controversy, including the Trudeau family's choice of attire and invitations extended to individuals with links to Khalistan extremism.</p>

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In a display of diplomatic courtesy, the Indian government extended an offer of assistance to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau after his official aircraft encountered technical difficulties during his visit to India for the G20 summit.

In a display of diplomatic courtesy, the Indian government extended an offer of assistance to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau after his official aircraft encountered technical difficulties during his visit to India for the G20 summit. Prime Minister Trudeau's visit to India, which commenced on September 8, was marred by an unexpected turn of events when his plane suffered a technical snag, stranding him in Delhi for over 36 hours. He left Delhi, with his delegation on Tuesday at around 2 PM IST. The Indian government, acting swiftly and proactively, offered the services of India's official aircraft, Air India One, to facilitate Trudeau's immediate departure. Air India One, also known as India 1, is operated by the Indian Air Force and is reserved for use by the President, Vice President, and Prime Minister of India. Also Read | Morocco Ambassador Maliki welcomes India's offer of assistance after deadly earthquake However, Canada's response to India's generous offer raised eyebrows. It took six hours for Canada to convey their regret and decline the offer, stating their intention to await the arrival of their own aircraft. This delay in response added an element of intrigue to the already complicated diplomatic relationship between the two nations. The development coincided with a controversial referendum held by pro-Khalistani elements in Surrey, Canada, on Sunday. This development raised eyebrows in India, particularly because it occurred on the same day that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Justin Trudeau met on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Delhi. Also Read | India: Nipah virus alert in Kerala's Kozhikode after two 'unnatural deaths' reported in district During their meeting, Prime Minister Modi expressed strong concerns about the continuing anti-India activities of extremist elements in Canada. An Indian govt readout said, Indian side conveyed its "strong concerns about continuing anti-India activities of extremist elements in Canada" who are "promoting secessionism and inciting violence against Indian diplomats, damaging diplomatic premises, and threatening the Indian community in Canada and their places of worship". Watch | Can India amplify the voice of the global south? × It explained that the nexus of such "forces with organised crime, drug syndicates and human trafficking should be a concern for Canada as well. It is essential for the two countries to cooperate in dealing with such threats". Prime Minister Modi emphasised the importance of a relationship based on mutual respect and trust for the progress of India-Canada relations This incident echoes Trudeau's 2018 visit to India, which was also marked by controversy, including the Trudeau family's choice of attire and invitations extended to individuals with links to Khalistan extremism. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

India offered Air India One to stranded Canadian PM Trudeau

Rishi Sunak's popularity rating sank to its lowest level since he became UK prime minister in October, highlighting the growing challenge he faces in leading his party to victory at the next general election.

UK: Rishi Sunak's popularity sinks to lowest since he became PM

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is set to drop plans that would have legally restricted transgender school children from changing their gender identity.

UK: Rishi Sunak to block legal plans to restrict trans school children

Anwaarul Haq Kakar, the caretaker prime minister of Pakistan, described the country's ongoing power crisis as a "non-issue" as people and political opponents lit power bills on fire to demonstrate against soaring electricity prices. Instead, he asserted that political parties were using the issue as a "tool" to support their campaigns.

Pakistan: Interim PM Dakar cancels Kenya trip amid outrage over power bills

In a recent interview, Indian PM Modi said, “India's G20 Presidency also sowed seeds of confidence in countries of the so-called third world. Africa is a top priority for us in G20; no future plan of earth can succeed without all voices being heard."

Indian PM proposes full G20 membership for African Union

After months of criticism and allegations of taxpayers' money being wasted the UK government has shelved plans to spend almost 50 million dollars on contracts for helicopters. These helicopters were used by the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his ministers for travelling.

UK PM Rishi Sunak's helicopter transport contract shelved

Rising onion prices in India pose a greater risk to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government than a recent spike of 700% in tomatoes, forcing authorities to take fresh steps to curb food inflation before key polls.

Soaring Indian Onion Prices May Hurt Modi More Than Tomatoes

<p>Cambodia's parliament on Tuesday elected long-time ruler Hun Sen's eldest son as the country's new prime minister, sealing a dynastic handover of power after last month's one-sided election.</p>

<p>Heng Samrin, the lawmaker who chaired the meeting, announced that Hun Manet was elected unanimously.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-air-defence-intercepts-and-downs-two-attack-drones-near-moscow-627704">Russian Air Defence intercepts and downs two 'attack drones' near Moscow</a></p>

<p>Hun Sen's Cambodian People's Party (CPP) won all but five seats in the lower house in July polls that were widely decried as a sham after the main opposition party was barred from running.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-threatens-thermonuclear-war-over-camp-david-summit-and-us-south-korea-drills-627702">North Korea threatens 'thermonuclear war' over Camp David summit and US-South Korea drills</a></p>

<p>Days after the landslide victory, Hun Sen -- one of the world's longest-serving leaders -- announced he was stepping down and handing power to his eldest son, Hun Manet, after nearly four decades of iron-fisted rule.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Beijing's fruit diplomacy turns sour as China bans imports of Taiwanese mangoes</strong></p>

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<p>The Cambodian king -- who holds a largely symbolic role -- convened parliament on Monday, paving the way for lawmakers to elect four-star general Hun Manet, 45, as the country's new leader on Tuesday.</p>

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Cambodia's parliament on Tuesday elected long-time ruler Hun Sen's eldest son as the country's new prime minister, sealing a dynastic handover of power after last month's one-sided election.

Cambodia's parliament on Tuesday elected long-time ruler Hun Sen's eldest son as the country's new prime minister, sealing a dynastic handover of power after last month's one-sided election. Heng Samrin, the lawmaker who chaired the meeting, announced that Hun Manet was elected unanimously. Also Read | Russian Air Defence intercepts and downs two 'attack drones' near Moscow Hun Sen's Cambodian People's Party (CPP) won all but five seats in the lower house in July polls that were widely decried as a sham after the main opposition party was barred from running. Also Read | North Korea threatens 'thermonuclear war' over Camp David summit and US-South Korea drills Days after the landslide victory, Hun Sen -- one of the world's longest-serving leaders -- announced he was stepping down and handing power to his eldest son, Hun Manet, after nearly four decades of iron-fisted rule. Watch | Beijing's fruit diplomacy turns sour as China bans imports of Taiwanese mangoes × The Cambodian king -- who holds a largely symbolic role -- convened parliament on Monday, paving the way for lawmakers to elect four-star general Hun Manet, 45, as the country's new leader on Tuesday. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Hun Manet: Cambodian lawmakers elect Hun Sen's son as new PM

<p>Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who reached the country after spending 15 years in self-imposed exile following the 2006 coup, was arrested upon arrival and the court jailed him for eight years, AFP reported.&nbsp;Thaksin, known for his success in the telecommunications industry, arrived in Thailand via a private plane from Singapore. The plane landed at Bangkok's Don Mueang airport at around 9 am local time on Tuesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Thailand has now been under a political impasse for the past three months post the May elections. Thailand's bicameral legislature&nbsp;is set to vote Tuesday to determine if the candidate from Shinawatra's&nbsp;Pheu Thai party, Srettha Thavisin, will be the next prime minister to lead the politically-divided country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The sister of Thailand's former PM, Yingluck Shinawatra, who is also a former prime minister, shared a video on TikTok showing Thaksin leaving Singapore. As news of his arrival spread, supporters, all clad in red attire, celebrated his return with cheers, dancing, and singing.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-air-defence-intercepts-and-downs-two-attack-drones-near-moscow-627704">Russian Air Defence intercepts and downs two 'attack drones' near Moscow</a></p>

<h2><strong>Political background and exile</strong></h2>

<p>Thaksin Shinawatra gained power in 2001. He was re-elected by securing a landslide victory in the following election five years later. However, in September 2006, while Thaksin was in New York preparing to address the United Nations, a military coup took control of the government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Subsequently, Thaksin faced legal repercussions, including a conviction for abuse of power. This led to his decision to go into self-exile, with Dubai as his primary residence.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-threatens-thermonuclear-war-over-camp-david-summit-and-us-south-korea-drills-627702">North Korea threatens 'thermonuclear war' over Camp David summit and US-South Korea drills</a></p>

<p>With the then-PM gone, Thailand plunged into a state of political instability, with both pro-Thaksin and rival pro-establishment groups engaging in street protests.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Beijing's fruit diplomacy turns sour as China bans imports of Taiwanese mangoes</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Thailand's current political impasse&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>In the most recent elections held in May, Thaksin's Pheu Thai party secured the second position. The progressive Move Forward party initially struggled to form a government due to the lack of support from military-appointed senators in the upper house. Subsequently, Pheu Thai managed to create a coalition comprising various parties, some with former military rivals.</p>

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Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who reached the country after spending 15 years in self-imposed exile following the 2006 coup, was arrested upon arrival and the court jailed him for eight years, AFP reported.

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who reached the country after spending 15 years in self-imposed exile following the 2006 coup, was arrested upon arrival and the court jailed him for eight years, AFP reported. Thaksin, known for his success in the telecommunications industry, arrived in Thailand via a private plane from Singapore. The plane landed at Bangkok's Don Mueang airport at around 9 am local time on Tuesday. Thailand has now been under a political impasse for the past three months post the May elections. Thailand's bicameral legislature is set to vote Tuesday to determine if the candidate from Shinawatra's Pheu Thai party, Srettha Thavisin, will be the next prime minister to lead the politically-divided country. The sister of Thailand's former PM, Yingluck Shinawatra, who is also a former prime minister, shared a video on TikTok showing Thaksin leaving Singapore. As news of his arrival spread, supporters, all clad in red attire, celebrated his return with cheers, dancing, and singing. Also Read | Russian Air Defence intercepts and downs two 'attack drones' near Moscow Political background and exile Thaksin Shinawatra gained power in 2001. He was re-elected by securing a landslide victory in the following election five years later. However, in September 2006, while Thaksin was in New York preparing to address the United Nations, a military coup took control of the government. Subsequently, Thaksin faced legal repercussions, including a conviction for abuse of power. This led to his decision to go into self-exile, with Dubai as his primary residence. Also Read | North Korea threatens 'thermonuclear war' over Camp David summit and US-South Korea drills With the then-PM gone, Thailand plunged into a state of political instability, with both pro-Thaksin and rival pro-establishment groups engaging in street protests. Watch | Beijing's fruit diplomacy turns sour as China bans imports of Taiwanese mangoes × Thailand's current political impasse In the most recent elections held in May, Thaksin's Pheu Thai party secured the second position. The progressive Move Forward party initially struggled to form a government due to the lack of support from military-appointed senators in the upper house. Subsequently, Pheu Thai managed to create a coalition comprising various parties, some with former military rivals. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Fugitive ex-Thai PM, who arrived in Thailand after 15-year self-exile, jailed for 8 years

<p>Srettha Thavisin, formerly the chief of one of Thailand's largest real estate development firms, has ascended to the role of prime minister in an unexpected turn of events. Thavisin, 61, won a parliamentary vote on Tuesday (Aug 22) to assume the country's highest office, ending weeks of political deadlock after the elections.</p>

<p>This coincided with the return of Thaksin Shinawatra, the founder of Thavisin's populist Pheu Thai Party, to Thailand after 15 years of self-imposed exile, only to be&nbsp;imprisoned.</p>

<p>Following the vote, Thavisin expressed his gratitude to the Thai people and conveyed his sense of honour at being elected as prime minister. While he beamed with optimism, he refrained from answering questions until royal confirmation of his election was received, a customary practice in Thailand.</p>

<h2><strong>A tactical alliance</strong></h2>

<p>Tuesday's vote for Thavisin's premiership received critical support from pro-military members of parliament, effectively sidelining the progressive Move Forward Party, which had emerged as the largest single party in the recent elections.</p>

<p>The conservative establishment views Thavisin&nbsp;and his Pheu Thai Party as a more acceptable option, prompting an unlikely alliance with former political adversaries aligned with pro-military factions.</p>

<p>Together, they seek to govern Southeast Asia's second-largest economy.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thai-parliament-elects-srettha-thavisin-as-next-pm-ending-months-of-political-deadlock-627949">Thai parliament elects Srettha Thavisin as next PM, ending months of political deadlock</a></p>

<h2><strong>Business background of the new Thai PM</strong></h2>

<p>Srettha Thavisin, a suave businessman with no prior administrative experience, was initially presented as a Pheu Thai prime ministerial candidate due to his business acumen.</p>

<p>His family's deep connections in the business elite paved the way for his career, which began at the Thailand division of Procter &amp; Gamble after earning economics and management degrees in the United States.</p>

<p>In 1990, alongside some cousins, he co-founded Sansiri, a property development company that grew to become one of Thailand's largest.</p>

<p>In 2022, Sansiri posted impressive revenues and profits, leading to an over eight per cent&nbsp;surge in its stock on the day of Srettha's election.</p>

<p>Despite his success, Thavisin's journey to power has not been without controversy. Allegations of wrongdoing in two land deals during his tenure at Sansiri surfaced earlier this month, claims that both Sansiri and Thavisin&nbsp;vehemently denied.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Thailand gets its 30th Prime Minister as Srettha Thavisin elected as new PM</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>The 'outsider' politician</strong></h2>

<p>Thavisin's transition from business to politics echoes that of Thaksin Shinawatra, who transitioned from the telecommunications industry to become a prominent political figure.</p>

<p>Unlike many seasoned politicians, Thavisin's relative political inexperience has both advantages and potential disadvantages.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Srettha Thavisin, formerly the chief of one of Thailand's largest real estate development firms, has ascended to the role of prime minister in an unexpected turn of events.

Srettha Thavisin, formerly the chief of one of Thailand's largest real estate development firms, has ascended to the role of prime minister in an unexpected turn of events. Thavisin, 61, won a parliamentary vote on Tuesday (Aug 22) to assume the country's highest office, ending weeks of political deadlock after the elections. This coincided with the return of Thaksin Shinawatra, the founder of Thavisin's populist Pheu Thai Party, to Thailand after 15 years of self-imposed exile, only to be imprisoned. Following the vote, Thavisin expressed his gratitude to the Thai people and conveyed his sense of honour at being elected as prime minister. While he beamed with optimism, he refrained from answering questions until royal confirmation of his election was received, a customary practice in Thailand. A tactical alliance Tuesday's vote for Thavisin's premiership received critical support from pro-military members of parliament, effectively sidelining the progressive Move Forward Party, which had emerged as the largest single party in the recent elections. The conservative establishment views Thavisin and his Pheu Thai Party as a more acceptable option, prompting an unlikely alliance with former political adversaries aligned with pro-military factions. Together, they seek to govern Southeast Asia's second-largest economy. Also read | Thai parliament elects Srettha Thavisin as next PM, ending months of political deadlock Business background of the new Thai PM Srettha Thavisin, a suave businessman with no prior administrative experience, was initially presented as a Pheu Thai prime ministerial candidate due to his business acumen. His family's deep connections in the business elite paved the way for his career, which began at the Thailand division of Procter & Gamble after earning economics and management degrees in the United States. In 1990, alongside some cousins, he co-founded Sansiri, a property development company that grew to become one of Thailand's largest. In 2022, Sansiri posted impressive revenues and profits, leading to an over eight per cent surge in its stock on the day of Srettha's election. Despite his success, Thavisin's journey to power has not been without controversy. Allegations of wrongdoing in two land deals during his tenure at Sansiri surfaced earlier this month, claims that both Sansiri and Thavisin vehemently denied. Also watch | Thailand gets its 30th Prime Minister as Srettha Thavisin elected as new PM The 'outsider' politician Thavisin's transition from business to politics echoes that of Thaksin Shinawatra, who transitioned from the telecommunications industry to become a prominent political figure. Unlike many seasoned politicians, Thavisin's relative political inexperience has both advantages and potential disadvantages. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Who is Srettha Thavisin, Thailand's property mogul and next prime minister?

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