Paetongtarn Shinawatra became Thailand’s youngest prime minister at 37 years old. She was elected after the previous prime minister, Srettha Thavisin, was removed from office. This marked a big change in Thailand’s politics, which has been unstable lately.

Political Background

Paetongtarn is the daughter of Thaksin Shinawatra, a very influential but controversial figure in Thai politics. She is the third person from the Shinawatra family to become prime minister, after her father and her aunt, Yingluck Shinawatra. This shows that her family still has a strong presence in Thai politics.

Election Details

Paetongtarn received 319 votes in the parliament, which is about two-thirds of the total votes. This shows she has a lot of support, even though her family and party have faced many challenges. As a newcomer to government, Paetongtarn has many challenges ahead, including fixing the economy and dealing with political competition. Her party, Pheu Thai, also faces risks, especially with a big cash handout plan worth $14.25 billion still not approved.

After her election, Paetongtarn shared a simple lunch of chicken rice on social media to symbolize her new role. She expressed her desire to make life better for all Thais and to gain their trust as a leader. Her election shows the ongoing complexity of Thai politics, the impact of her family, and the challenges her new government will face.

About Paetongtarn Shinawatra

Paetongtarn Shinawatra was born on February 21, 1986. She is the youngest daughter of former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. She studied at Chulalongkorn University and earned a Master’s degree from the London School of Economics. A key member of the Pheu Thai Party, she played a major role in their campaigns and was a candidate for prime minister in the 2023 elections. She is also involved in various business ventures, including tourism.

About Thailand

Thailand, formerly known as Siam, is unique in Southeast Asia because it was never colonized by a European power. It is home to the world’s largest golden Buddha statue, which weighs over five tons, and has the longest-reigning monarchy, with King Bhumibol Adulyadej ruling for 70 years. Thailand has over 1,400 islands, including the popular tourist destination Phuket. Thai food, known for its balanced flavors, is famous worldwide. The Thai alphabet is complex, with 44 consonants and 32 vowels, making it challenging to learn.