Thaksin’s Daughter Elected Prime Minister of Thailand
Paetongtarn Shinawatra, 37, has secured enough votes in the House of Representatives to become Thailand’s new Prime Minister, making her the youngest leader in the country’s history.
Today, the Thai House of Representatives elected Paetongtarn Shinawatra, 37, as the new Prime Minister, succeeding Srettha Thavisin. Paetongtarn received 319 votes in favor, 145 against, and 27 abstentions, surpassing the required minimum of 247 votes to be elected. With this result, Paetongtarn will become Thailand’s second female Prime Minister and the third member of the Shinawatra family to hold the position, following her father Thaksin and aunt Yingluck. She will also be the youngest Prime Minister in Thailand’s history.
Paetongtarn expressed her “honor and happiness” after becoming Thailand’s youngest Prime Minister. “I aim to improve the quality of life and empower all Thai citizens,” she stated. The new Prime Minister added that her father, Thaksin, had called to congratulate her and expressed his joy at her election.
Former Prime Minister Srettha also appeared at the Pheu Thai Party headquarters, stating that he had some minor issues to discuss with Paetongtarn. When asked if he would assist the new Prime Minister in her duties, Srettha replied that he had answered all questions and that today he simply wanted to be an ordinary citizen.
Earlier, the 11-party ruling coalition in Thailand, led by the Pheu Thai Party, unanimously agreed to nominate Paetongtarn as their candidate for Prime Minister. Paetongtarn was one of three candidates that Pheu Thai had nominated ahead of last May’s general election.
“The country must move forward. Pheu Thai is the main party in forming the government and will push the country ahead. We are determined to achieve this together,” Paetongtarn said after being nominated by the 11-party coalition.
Paetongtarn currently serves as the leader of the Pheu Thai Party. One of the party’s key policies is to implement a program that deposits 10,000 baht (approximately 276 USD) into the digital wallets of eligible citizens to stimulate the economy.
Many experts believe that Paetongtarn will face significant challenges as a member of the Shinawatra family. Both her father and aunt were overthrown in military coups and spent many years in exile abroad.
Paetongtarn’s predecessor, former Prime Minister Srettha, was removed from office by Thailand’s Constitutional Court on August 14 after appointing a minister who had previously served time in prison. Srettha accepted the court’s ruling and immediately stepped down from his position. He is the fourth Prime Minister to be ousted by the Constitutional Court in the past 16 years.
