After a period of political turmoil, Thailand appoints a new Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra. At 37 years old, Paetongtarn is the youngest person ever to hold the position and the third member of the influential Shinawatra family to become Prime Minister. Her appointment is followed by the removal of her predecessor, Srettha Thavisin, by the Constitutional Court.
Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s Political Background
Paetongtarn Shinawatra, known by her nickname Ung Ing steps up as Thailand’s new Prime Minister, who is the youngest child of Thaksin Shinawatra, a former Prime Minister who was ousted by a military coup in 2006. Her aunt, Yingluck Shinawatra, also served as Prime Minister but was removed by the Constitutional Court in 2014. Both of them had tumultuous terms marked by political strife and military intervention.
Who Is Paetongtarn Shinawatra?
Paetongtarn was born on August 21, 1986, in Bangkok, and studied hotel management in Britain before returning to Thailand. She married commercial pilot Pidok Sooksawas in 2019, and the couple has two children. Before entering politics in 2022, Paetongtarn worked in the hotel sector of her family’s business empire. Despite being pregnant, she was highly visible on the campaign trail during last year’s election, giving birth just two weeks before the voting day. Her energy and determination were notable, though her party, Pheu Thai, finished second in the election to the Move Forward Party. Eventually, Pheu Thai formed a government in alliance with pro-military parties.
Early Promises Made By The New Prime Minister
Paetongtarn has made early promises including lowering public transportation fares, expanding healthcare coverage, and increasing the minimum wage. She is expected to address Thailand’s struggling economy and navigate the complex political landscape of the country. Her appointment comes amid ongoing political tensions and a recent shift in alliances. The Pheu Thai party, once opposed to the military, now finds itself in coalition with pro-military groups, highlighting the ever-changing dynamics of Thai politics.
Paetongtarn’s Appointment Follows Srettha Thavisin’s Dismissal
A few days ago, the Constitutional Court recently removed Srettha Thavisin after a controversial appointment of a cabinet member with a past criminal conviction. Paetongtarn was elected as the new Prime Minister with strong support from her party and its allies, holding 314 out of 493 seats in Parliament.