Written By Lisa Murimi
Thailand’s parliament has elected Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the 37-year-old daughter of former leader Thaksin Shinawatra, as the country’s prime minister.
She is now the youngest person to hold the office and the second woman to do so, following her aunt Yingluck Shinawatra.
Paetongtarn’s selection comes just two days after the dismissal of former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin by the constitutional court.
Both leaders are from the Pheu Thai Party, which came second in the 2023 election but formed a ruling coalition.
Paetongtarn faces significant challenges, including revitalizing Thailand’s stagnant economy and navigating the political landscape that has seen four previous Pheu Thai administrations ousted by military coups or court rulings.
After the vote, she expressed her commitment to improving the quality of life for all Thais and acknowledged the enormity of the task ahead.
Receiving 319 votes in favor and 145 against, Paetongtarn is the fourth member of the Shinawatra family to become prime minister in the past two decades.
Her father, Thaksin, and her aunt, Yingluck, were both removed from office by military coups. Despite the challenges, Paetongtarn’s appointment has injected new energy into Thailand’s leadership, with hopes that she can help revive the party’s political fortunes.
