In a significant political development, Thailand’s parliament has elected Paetongtarn Shinawatra as the country’s new prime minister. At 37, she becomes Thailand’s youngest-ever prime minister and the second woman to hold the office, following her aunt Yingluck Shinawatra. Her appointment comes just days after former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin was dismissed by a constitutional court ruling. Both Shinawatra and Thavisin are members of the Pheu Thai Party, which secured second place in the 2023 elections but successfully formed a ruling coalition.
Addressing reporters after her election, Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed her commitment to restoring confidence and building opportunities for the Thai people. She said, “I really hope that I can make people feel confident that we can build opportunities and to improve the quality of life and to empower all Thais.” “I am neither the best nor the most talented one in the room. But I always think I have a strong will and I have a good team… My team is strong, experienced, determined and we share the same ideas. That’s something I value highly,” added Shinawatra.
Paetongtarn received 319 votes in favor and 145 against in parliament, marking her as the fourth member of the Shinawatra family to serve as prime minister in the past 20 years. Her father, Thaksin Shinawatra, and aunt Yingluck both previously held the position but were removed by military coups or court interventions.
The constitutional court’s recent dismissal of former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin was due to the appointment of a former lawyer with a criminal record to his cabinet. Paetongtarn expressed her dismay over Thavisin’s removal, saying she was “confused” and “very sad.” After discussions with Thavisin and her family, she felt it was “about time to do something for the party and for the country.”
Thaksin Shinawatra, her father, offered his support, encouraging her to “do your best” and expressing happiness at witnessing her achievement. Paetongtarn, who studied at prestigious schools in Thailand and a university in the UK, worked for the family-owned Rende hotel group before joining Pheu Thai in 2021. She was appointed party leader in October 2023.
Her leadership brings new energy to Thailand’s political landscape, with Pheu Thai hopeful that she can rejuvenate the party’s influence. Thaksin, who first became prime minister in 2001, was deposed by a coup in 2006. He returned to Thailand last October after 15 years in exile, shortly before Thavisin’s appointment as prime minister. This return was part of a strategic agreement with former conservative rivals, now part of the Pheu Thai-led coalition. Despite being charged with lese majeste in June, Thaksin remains a prominent figure in Thai politics.
Yingluck Shinawatra, Thaksin’s sister, won the 2011 election but was later disqualified by the courts, leading to her government being ousted by a coup. She now resides in exile. Paetongtarn led Pheu Thai’s campaign in the last election, earning admiration for her dedication while in the late stages of pregnancy. “I think after eight years the people want better politics, better solutions for the country than just coup d’états,” she told the BBC. “They are seeking policies that will help their lives.”
Despite the Move Forward Party winning the election, it was barred from forming a government due to the military-appointed senate, enabling Pheu Thai to lead a coalition with Srettha as prime minister. Recently, the constitutional court dissolved Move Forward and banned 11 of its leaders from politics for a decade, further reshaping Thailand’s political landscape.
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