Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the 37-year-old daughter of former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, has been appointed as Thailand’s new Prime Minister. This marks a significant moment in the country’s political history, as Paetongtarn becomes the youngest person ever to hold this office.
Her rise to power follows the dismissal of former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin by the Constitutional Court on August 14. After his removal, the ruling Pheu Thai Party, which Paetongtarn belongs to, quickly nominated her as the new Prime Minister.
Paetongtarn is the third member of the Shinawatra family to lead the country, following her father Thaksin and her aunt Yingluck Shinawatra, both of whom previously served as prime ministers. Thaksin, a billionaire who first became Prime Minister in 2001, dramatically shaped Thai politics before being ousted in a military coup in 2006. He spent several years in exile before returning to Thailand last year, coinciding with Pheu Thai’s success in forming a government.
In the most recent elections, the Move Forward Party won the most votes, but the military-appointed Senate blocked them from forming a government. As a result, Pheu Thai, which came in second, formed a coalition government with Srettha Thavisin as Prime Minister. However, Thavisin was dismissed by the Constitutional Court due to a controversy over a ministerial appointment, further highlighting the ongoing power struggle between the military-backed establishment and the Shinawatra family’s supporters.
After Thavisin’s removal, the ruling coalition gathered to choose a new Prime Minister. When no other parties claimed leadership, Pheu Thai put forward Paetongtarn as their candidate. To officially take office, she will need to secure the support of more than half of the 493 members of parliament. The ruling coalition currently holds 314 seats.
Before entering politics three years ago, Paetongtarn managed her family’s hotel business and had never held an elected position. She gained significant attention during last year’s election campaign, where she was seen as a potential leader. Her campaign was briefly interrupted when she gave birth just two weeks before the election.
Paetongtarn’s appointment as Prime Minister opens a new chapter in Thailand’s political landscape, continuing the legacy of the Shinawatra family.
A global media for the latest news, entertainment, music fashion, and more.
