Thaksin’s Daughter Says “I Do” with a Splash of Shine
Just two days before Thailand’s first post‑coup election, the wedding of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s youngest daughter, Paetongtarn “Ing” Shinawatra, drew a glittering crowd to the newly opened Rosewood Hotel on Victoria Dockside.
What Went On at the Rosewood?
The venue, perched overlooking Kowloon’s waterfront, was a scene straight out of a wedding brochure: pastel gowns, lace, and a sprinkle of glitter that could make a disco ball blush. Some guests even brought their hair-on-point, a nod to the glam that only a Thai political family can pull off.
- Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya – recently nominated by the Thai Raksa Chart party as a candidate for prime minister – was in attendance as the Shah’s big night. Her bid, however, was vetoed by King Maha Vajiralongkorn last month.
- The groom, aviation ace Pidok Sooksawas (aka “the winged one”), looked sharp in a crisp suit and brought an air of calm to the ceremony.
- At roughly 5:15 pm, Thaksin’s younger sister, former premier Yingluck – who was also ousted in the 2014 coup – appeared in a peach‑tinted dress to meet reporters, smiling as the media swarmed.
- Thaksin himself made a late‑afternoon appearance and admitted, “I’m very happy to be here.” He has three children, two daughters and a son, and he’s the proudest father in the room.
Security Overload
Security at the Rosewood was tighter than a Thai family’s wedding safety net. Police, bullet‑proof glass, and a fleet of guard cars ensured that neither the bride nor the groom had to worry about a surprise coup on the balcony.
Election Beat: A Warming Political Spotlight
Thailand’s upcoming Sunday election is the first since the 2014 coup, and it won’t follow the old rulebook. Even if a party sweeps the popular vote, the 250 appointed senators will still have the final say in who becomes prime minister. That rule change means the election’s outcome could flirt with unpredictability.
Wrap‑Up
With the vanguard of Thailand’s elite tying the knot under a sky full of stars, the country gets a taste of both sparkle and suspense. Whether the bride’s vows are more powerful than political alliances, only time will tell – but the cake was definitely sweet enough to keep the crowd cheering.
