Thai lawmakers convened on Friday to vote on appointing Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the 37-year-old daughter of billionaire Thaksin Shinawatra, as the nation’s new prime minister. If elected, she would become the youngest leader in Thailand’s history as a constitutional monarchy, despite having no prior experience in public office.
Paetongtarn, whose father and aunt both previously served as prime ministers, would also be Thailand’s second female prime minister, following her aunt’s tenure. The vote, which began around 11:20 am (0420 GMT), was necessitated by the recent ouster of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin by the Constitutional Court. Srettha was dismissed for appointing a cabinet minister with a criminal conviction.
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The Pheu Thai party, which leads the coalition government, selected Paetongtarn as its candidate after Srettha’s removal. Bhumjaithai, the third-largest party in parliament, has announced its support for her candidacy. Paetongtarn needs 247 votes from the 493-member parliament to secure the position.
Before entering politics in late 2022, Paetongtarn was involved in managing the family’s hotel business. She played a significant role in the 2023 general election campaign, which saw the Move Forward Party (MFP) win the most seats, although its attempt to form a government was blocked by senators.
The vote is seen as another chapter in the ongoing political battle between the military-backed establishment and populist forces linked to Paetongtarn’s father, Thaksin Shinawatra, who has been a dominant figure in Thai politics for two decades. Thaksin, who was ousted in a 2006 military coup and later went into exile, remains a polarizing figure in the country.
Paetongtarn, known by her nickname Ung Ing, is Thaksin’s youngest child. She grew up in Bangkok, studied hotel management in Britain, and is married to a commercial pilot, with whom she has two children.
Key Points:
- Historic Vote: Thai lawmakers are voting on whether to appoint 37-year-old Paetongtarn Shinawatra as prime minister, potentially making her the youngest leader in Thailand’s history as a constitutional monarchy.
- Shinawatra Legacy: Paetongtarn, daughter of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, would be the third member of her family to hold the nation’s top office, despite having no prior experience in public office.
- Political Context: The vote follows the ousting of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin by the Constitutional Court, due to the appointment of a cabinet minister with a criminal record.
- Pheu Thai Party Support: Paetongtarn was selected as the candidate by the Pheu Thai party, which leads the coalition government. She needs 247 votes from the 493-member parliament to be elected.
- Ongoing Political Battle: The vote represents another chapter in the long-standing conflict between Thailand’s military-backed establishment and the populist forces associated with Thaksin Shinawatra.
- Personal Background: Paetongtarn managed the family’s hotel business before entering politics in 2022. She is married with two children and is known by her nickname, Ung Ing.
