Paetongtarn Shinawatra Becomes Thailand’s Youngest Female Prime Minister: Continuing a Political Tradition
Paetongtarn Shinawatra has just been officially elected Prime Minister by the Thai House of Representatives, marking an important turning point in her political career. With enough votes, Ms. Shinawatra became the 31st Prime Minister of Thailand, replacing Mr. Srettha Thavisin who was dismissed. This 38-year-old politician, the daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and granddaughter of Ms. Yingluck Shinawatra, is close to becoming the youngest prime minister and the second female prime minister of the country. Although she has become famous thanks to her powerful family connections, Ms. Shinawatra still keeps many mysteries about herself, attracting special attention from the public and the media.
Ms. Paetongtarn (37 years old) is the youngest daughter of former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Photo: Reuters
From Businesswoman to Politician: The Journey of Paetongtarn Shinawatra
Born on 21 August 1986, Paetongtarn Shinawatra is the youngest daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and Khunying Potjaman Damapong, with an older brother and sister.
She holds a BA in sociology and anthropology from Chulalongkorn University, and a master’s degree in international hotel management from the University of Surrey, UK. Returning to Thailand, she runs family businesses, including SC Asset Group and Thaicom Foundation, and holds stakes in other companies such as Rosewood Bangkok Hotel and Thames Valley Khao Yai.
Mrs. Paetongtarn Shinawatra and her husband, Mr. Pitaka Sooksawas, in Bangkok on August 16. Photo: Reuters
Married to Pidok Suksawat in 2019 and welcoming son Phutchasin on 1 May 2023, Paetongtarn has entered politics with the Pheu Thai Party.
In the general election on 14 May 2023, the Pheu Thai Party won 141 seats, coming in second behind the Forward Party but with the potential to lead the government thanks to the formation of a coalition with political partners.
Political Determination
When the Pheu Thai Party formed the government, Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra decided not to take the ministerial position but instead became the vice-chair of the soft power strategy committee, while continuing to lead the party.
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Photo: Reuters
Her father, Mr. Thaksin, advised her to stay in the party while Mr. Srettha, her successor, would take on government duties. Although she has never held an MP or ministerial position, Paetongtarn has had a long history in politics, accompanying her father on campaigns when he was prime minister from 2001 to 2006. Her family has many members who have held high positions, including her uncle Somchai Wongsawat, a former prime minister whose party was dissolved in 2008, and her aunt Yingluck Shinawatra, Thailand’s first female prime minister, who was removed from office in 2014. Despite witnessing the fate of her family members, Paetongtarn has remained determined to pursue a political career.
At the Pheu Thai party congress on October 28, 2021, she was introduced as the chief adviser on participation and innovation after Sompong Amornvivat resigned. Before being named prime minister by her party, Ms Paetongtarn also shared a happy photo of her sister and former prime minister Srettha, who also supported her nomination.
Challenges Ahead: Ms Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s Mission
Ms Paetongtarn Shinawatra becoming Thailand’s prime minister may seem like an easy step, but there are big challenges ahead. The important and difficult task ahead is to tackle the economy, especially as Thailand, like many other countries, is struggling to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic. Moreover, the economy has been in a decade-long recession since the coup, and her father, Mr Thaksin, has pointed out that the current situation is much more difficult than when he was in power.
Ms Paetongtarn pledged to continue to promote the policies of the Pheu Thai Party and its coalition partners, stressing the need to move the country forward. She also affirmed her readiness to carry out her duties to the best of her ability, saying that her father often gave her valuable advice.
