Thaksin’s daughter looks to take down Thai generals

Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who is expecting her second child around the election date, has said she’s "100% ready” for the party’s official nomination for prime minister. - AP

BANGKOK (The Nation/Asia News Network): Thailand’s most popular politician, Thaksin Shinawatra, hasn’t set foot in the country since 2008. Now his 36-year-old daughter is the latest family member seeking to push back against the military men that helped oust him - and potentially bring him back home.

Ahead of an election on May 14, Paetongtarn Shinawatra has drawn big crowds in rural Thai farming communities that have long served as the political base of her father. The 73-year-old former prime minister and telecom tycoon, who fled in the wake of a military coup against his government, has seen his party and allies win the most seats in every national vote dating back to 2001.