The heiress of Thailand’s most powerful political dynasty Paetongtarn Shinawatra became lthe youngest prime minister in the kingdom’s history upon taking office, after being elected to her 37 years old by a large majority of votes
The daughter of the tycoon and also former progressive prime minister Thakisn Shinawatra (2001-2006) is the third member of the family to assume this position in addition to her father and Aunt Yingluck (2011-2014), who was the first woman to do so. This is how the young politician continues the family history in the country’s politics, dominated by male figures, and becomes the second woman in charge of the government of the Asian kingdom.
The President of the Pheu Thai Party, leader of the government coalition, obtained a large majority in the hemicycle, with 319 votes in favour, 145 against and 27 abstentions, after a vote in which she was the only candidate.
“I hope to improve the quality of life and empower all Thai people,” Paetongtarn said at a press conference, surrounded by her party’s lawmakers. “I decided it was time to do something for the country and the party,” she added.
His election follows Wednesday’s decision by the Constitutional Court of remove Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin for having appointed a minister convicted years ago of corruption. His dismissal was the latest chapter in Two decades of political instability and a struggle between the army, pro-monarchy elites and populist parties linked to Paetongtarn’s father.
Who is Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thailand’s youngest prime minister?
Paetongtarn Shinawatra, popularly known as Eng, He is 37 years oldhas little political experience and is the second woman to hold the office after her aunt Yingluck.
She is the third daughter of former progressive prime minister Thakisn Shinawatra, a telecoms tycoon and former owner of Manchester City. During his tenure, which began in 2001, he transformed Thai politics with populist measures that won him support from the rural population and allowed him to win two electionsbut also the enmity of the powerful conservative elites, who considered his government corrupt and authoritarianHe was finally overthrown by a military coup in 2006.
Before launching her 2023 election campaign, Paetongtarn helped run the hotel arm of her family’s business empire. The new prime minister has the support of the outgoing majority coalitiondominated by Pheu Thai under the influence of his father.
In 2019, She married a pilot during two lavish ceremonies in Bangkok and Hong Kong. The young woman is very active on social media, where she shares photos of her family life and her daily activities with her more than 600,000 followers on Instagram.
Her profile as the new leader of the Thai government could appeal to younger generations, who called for reform of the system during large demonstrations in 2020 and 2021.
Source: Ambito
