Thaksin's son-in-law to lead Pheu Thai into elections?

The name of SC Asset CEO Nuttaphong Kunakornwong has emerged as a possible candidate for Pheu Thai Party leader. (Photo by Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)

As Pheu Thai keeps people guessing just who the new party leader will be, there is speculation it could be Thaksin Shinawatra's son-in-law.

The name of Nuttaphong Kunakornwong has been spread around as a possible choice for the new party leader, the position having been vacant since 2014 when Jarupong Rueangsuwan resigned.

Pol Lt Gen Viroj Pao-in has been acting leader ever since, but Pheu Thai needs a permanent leader with the long-awaited general election possibly as early as late February next year.

The SC Asset Plc chief executive officer, who is married to Thaksin's daughter Pinthongta, is seen by some Pheu Thai members as his father-in-law's favourite to lead the new generation of Pheu Thai.

Amnuay Khlangpha, former Pheu Thai MP for Lop Buri, on Monday would neither confirm nor deny the rumour. The leadership would be decided at a party meeting after the ban on political activities is lifted by the National Council for Peace and Order, he said.

"The new party leader will be known by then," added the wiley politician, a frequent critic of the current regime.

When asked, Mr Amnuay said he would accept Mr Nuttaphong if the party picks him to lead Pheu Thai. The veteran politician said he was confident Thaksin's son-in-law could be successful in politics, with backing from the secretary-general and executive members.

It could be a new era, and in line with the trend of the younger generation entering politics, as the Future Forward Party has shown, he added.