The Thai parliament has named Paetongtarn Shinawatra, daughter of billionaire and former politician Thaksin Shinawatra, as prime minister. At 37, Paetongtarn Shinawatra is the nation’s youngest and second female prime minister, following her aunt Yingluck. Days after the constitutional court dismissed former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, Paetongtarn was appointed by the Pheu Thai Party. Despite placing second in the 2023 polls, Pheu Thai formed a ruling coalition. Her role involves the challenging task of reviving the economy while steering clear of military coups. She must also navigate legal issues that plagued her family’s past administrations.
Parliament endorsed her on Friday with 319 votes in favor and 145 against, making her the fourth Shinawatra to hold the office in 20 years. Unfortunately, military takeovers or judicial decisions resulted in the removal of her aunt Yingluck and father Thaksin. Authorities ousted Mr Thavisin from the government this week for adding a former attorney who had served jail time to his cabinet. After her nomination, Ms. Paetongtarn bemoaned Mr. Srettha’s dismissal and conveyed her appreciation for his work. After attending prestigious schools in Thailand and the UK, she worked for Rende, the Shinawatra family’s hotel firm, where her husband is deputy chief investment officer. She began her political career by joining Pheu Thai in 2021 and became the party leader in October 2023.
The selection of Ms. Paetongtarn gives Thailand’s leadership a new life. There is optimism inside Pheu Thai that she may improve the party’s political prospects. After forming a government in 2001, Mr Thaksin faced removal by a military coup in 2006. He returned from a 15-year exile last October. Many interpret Mr. Srettha’s firing on Wednesday as a warning for Thaksin to curb his ambitions. There is cause for optimism as well as caution regarding Thailand’s future with the ascent to the position of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
