On Friday, Thailand’s parliament elected Paetongtarn Shinawatra, a 37-year-old political newcomer, as the country’s youngest prime minister. This appointment comes in the wake of a fierce power struggle that has intensified following the recent dismissal of her ally, Srettha Thavisin.
Paetongtarn, daughter of the controversial former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, secured the position with a decisive 319 votes, nearly two-thirds of the house. She was not present during the parliamentary vote and followed the proceedings from her Pheu Thai Party’s headquarters. Her first public comment was a casual Instagram post featuring her lunch—chicken rice—with the caption, “The first meal after listening to the vote.”
The election of Paetongtarn marks her entry into the spotlight at a critical juncture for the Shinawatra family’s political legacy. Her family’s populist influence, which has dominated Thai politics for over two decades, now faces significant challenges. Paetongtarn is set to become Thailand’s second female prime minister and the third member of the Shinawatra family to hold the position, following her father Thaksin and her aunt Yingluck Shinawatra.
Paetongtarn’s rise to power comes at a tumultuous time. The Thai economy is struggling, and the Pheu Thai Party’s popularity is waning as it has yet to deliver on a major cash handout program. The recent political climate, marked by frequent coups and judicial interventions, has added to the uncertainties surrounding her tenure.
The fall of Srettha Thavisin, who was removed from office by the Constitutional Court, highlights the volatile nature of Thai politics. The court’s decision also led to the dissolution of the anti-establishment Move Forward Party, which had been a major challenger to Pheu Thai. This political upheaval underscores the precarious position Paetongtarn inherits.
Analysts have expressed concerns about the risks Paetongtarn faces, noting that her success is crucial for the future of the Shinawatra dynasty. If she fails to stabilize the economy and regain public support, it could spell the end of the family’s political influence. Thaksin’s decision to push his daughter into the limelight at this critical time has surprised many, given the history of challenges faced by his family’s previous administrations.
As Thailand’s 31st prime minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra will need to navigate these challenges while trying to deliver on her party’s promises and address the growing competition from rival political factions.
Key Points:
- New Prime Minister: Paetongtarn Shinawatra, 37, has been elected as Thailand’s youngest prime minister, making history as the country’s youngest to ever hold the office.
- Family Legacy: She is the daughter of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and the third member of the Shinawatra family to become prime minister, following her father and aunt Yingluck Shinawatra.
- Parliamentary Vote: Paetongtarn won with 319 votes, nearly two-thirds of the parliamentary house. She was not present during the vote and followed it from her party’s headquarters.
- Political Context: Her election follows the recent dismissal of her ally Srettha Thavisin by the Constitutional Court. The political climate remains volatile with frequent judicial interventions and a struggle between political factions.
- Challenges Ahead: Paetongtarn faces significant challenges, including a struggling economy and waning popularity of her party, Pheu Thai. She will need to address these issues while dealing with the ongoing power struggles in Thai politics.
- Public Reaction: Her first public comment post-election was a casual Instagram post about her lunch, reflecting a less formal approach to her new role.
- Historical Significance: As Thailand’s second female prime minister, Paetongtarn’s tenure represents both a continuation and a critical test of the Shinawatra family’s enduring influence in Thai politics.
