Former Prime Minister’s Daughter Chosen as Thailand’s Youngest-Ever Leader
Thailand’s parliament has elected Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the daughter of billionaire and former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, as the country’s new prime minister. At 37, Paetongtarn becomes Thailand’s youngest-ever prime minister and the second woman to hold the position, following her aunt, Yingluck Shinawatra.
Her appointment comes just two days after the constitutional court dismissed former prime minister Srettha Thavisin, also from the Pheu Thai Party. The party, which finished second in the 2023 elections but formed a ruling coalition, now faces the challenge of reviving Thailand’s stagnant economy and navigating political stability amidst a history of military coups and court interventions that have toppled previous administrations led by her party.
“I really hope that I can inspire confidence in our ability to create opportunities, improve quality of life, and empower all Thais,” Paetongtarn said, visibly emotional after the vote. She acknowledged that while she may not be the most talented, she is determined and supported by a strong, experienced team.
Paetongtarn received 319 votes in favor and 145 against. She is the fourth member of the Shinawatra family to become prime minister in the past two decades, following her father Thaksin and her aunt Yingluck, both of whom were removed by military coups or court rulings.
Following Srettha Thavisin’s dismissal on Wednesday due to his appointment of a controversial cabinet member, Paetongtarn expressed her sadness and confusion over the situation. She decided to step in after discussions with Srettha and her family. Her father, Thaksin, encouraged her to “do your best” and expressed his happiness at seeing her take on the role in his later years.
Educated in Thailand and the UK, Paetongtarn previously worked with the Shinawatra family’s Rende hotel group. She joined Pheu Thai in 2021 and became its leader in October 2023. Her appointment brings new energy to Thailand’s leadership, and Pheu Thai hopes she can reinvigorate the party’s fortunes.
Thaksin, who first became prime minister in 2001 and was ousted in a 2006 coup, returned to Thailand last October after 15 years in exile. His return was part of a political deal with his former adversaries, who are now part of a coalition with Pheu Thai. This June, he faced charges under Thailand’s lese majeste law, which has historically targeted political dissidents.
The recent dismissal of Srettha is seen by many as a warning to Thaksin to curb his ambitions. His sister, Yingluck, won a landslide victory in 2011 but was later disqualified and removed by another coup, and she now lives in exile.
Paetongtarn, who led Pheu Thai’s campaign during the last election while pregnant, was admired for her dedication. “I think after eight years, people want better politics and solutions beyond just coups,” she told the BBC. The election winner, Move Forward, was blocked from forming a government by the military-appointed senate, leading to the Pheu Thai-led coalition with Srettha as prime minister. Earlier this month, the constitutional court dissolved Move Forward and banned 11 of its leaders from politics for a decade.
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