Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the daughter of former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, was elected as Thailand’s new Prime Minister on Friday, marking the continuation of a powerful political dynasty. Her ascension to the top post comes after the removal of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin from the Pheu Thai party on Wednesday, just under a year into his term. Thavisin was convicted by the Constitutional Court of a serious ethical violation related to his appointment of a cabinet member previously imprisoned for alleged bribery.
As the sole nominee for the position, Paetongtarn secured the Prime Minister candidacy with a resounding 319 votes in favor, 145 against, and 27 abstentions. Notably, she did not need to be an elected lawmaker to be eligible for the role. Paetongtarn, who leads the Pheu Thai party—a recent addition to the series of parties associated with Thaksin—will officially become Prime Minister upon receiving royal assent, though the timing of this event remains unclear.
Paetongtarn’s victory solidifies the Shinawatra family’s enduring influence on Thai politics. She is the third member of the family to become Prime Minister, following her billionaire father, who returned from exile last year, and her aunt, Yingluck Shinawatra, who currently lives in exile. At 37, Paetongtarn becomes Thailand’s youngest leader and the country’s second female Prime Minister, after her aunt.
Before entering politics, Paetongtarn was a successful business executive, actively involved in various social initiatives. Following her election, she expressed her gratitude and ambition to reporters, stating, “I really hope that I can make people feel confident, that we can build opportunity and quality of life,” she said. “I hope that I can do my best to make the country go forward.”
During her campaign for Pheu Thai, Paetongtarn acknowledged her family ties but asserted her independence, telling a reporter, “I am my dad’s daughter, always and forever, but I have my own decisions.” Her path forward as Prime Minister will be closely watched, as she seeks to navigate the complex political landscape while building on the family legacy.
