Thailand’s Parliament Elects Paetongtarn Shinawatra as Prime Minister
In a historic move, Thailand’s parliament has selected Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the daughter of billionaire tycoon and former leader Thaksin Shinawatra, as the country’s next prime minister. At just 37 years old, she will be the youngest PM in Thailand’s history and the second woman to hold the post, following in the footsteps of her aunt Yingluck.
Paetongtarn’s appointment comes on the heels of former PM Srettha Thavisin’s dismissal by a constitutional court, just two days prior. Both Thavisin and Paetongtarn are members of the Pheu Thai Party, which came second in the 2023 election but managed to form a ruling coalition.
With the daunting task of reviving Thailand’s struggling economy and navigating the political landscape plagued by military coups and court interventions, Paetongtarn faces significant challenges ahead. She received 319 endorsements and 145 against votes in Friday’s selection process, becoming the fourth member of the Shinawatra clan to ascend to the role of prime minister in the past two decades.
Educated at prestigious institutions in Thailand and the UK, Paetongtarn has experience working in the Shinawatra family’s business ventures, including the Rende hotel group where her husband holds a senior position. She joined Pheu Thai in 2021 and was appointed party leader in October 2023.
Paetongtarn’s appointment brings a fresh perspective to Thailand’s leadership, with hopes that she can revitalize the party’s political fortunes. However, the shadow of past coups and court rulings looms large, as her father Thaksin and aunt Yingluck were both ousted from power under similar circumstances.
Thaksin, who returned to Thailand last October after 15 years in exile, still wields significant influence within Pheu Thai. However, recent legal challenges and court rulings indicate a growing pressure on the Shinawatra family’s political ambitions.
As Paetongtarn steps into her new role as prime minister, all eyes will be on her ability to navigate the complex political landscape of Thailand and lead the country towards stability and prosperity.
