Paetongtarn Shinawatra, leader of the Pheu Thai Party, was elected as Thailand’s youngest prime minister on Friday following a decisive vote in parliament. The 37-year-old daughter of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was propelled into the position amidst ongoing political struggles among the nation’s elites.
Just two days after the judiciary dismissed her ally, Srettha Thavisin, from the premiership, Paetongtarn secured 319 votes in the house, nearly two-thirds of the total. Her victory marks a significant moment for the Shinawatra family, as she becomes the third family member to hold the prime ministerial office after her aunt Yingluck and father Thaksin.
In her first comments as prime minister-elect, Paetongtarn expressed her initial reluctance but decided to step up after discussions with Srettha, her family, and her party. She shared her determination to move the country forward and expressed her gratitude for the support she received.
Paetongtarn’s election comes at a time of economic uncertainty and political tension, with the Shinawatra family facing declining popularity and the rise of a new opposition force, the People’s Party. Despite her lack of government experience, Paetongtarn is seen as a key figure in the ongoing political drama that has shaped Thailand for the past two decades. The success or failure of her leadership could have far-reaching implications for the Shinawatra family’s legacy and the future of the Pheu Thai Party.