Thailand’s king has officially supported Paetongtarn Shinawatra as the country’s new prime minister, a watershed event in the country’s political history. Paetongtarn, 37, becomes Thailand’s youngest prime minister and the second woman to hold the role, succeeding her aunt, Yingluck Shinawatra.
Paetongtarn is the daughter of Thaksin Shinawatra, the former Thai premier deposed in a 2006 coup. Her appointment comes after the Constitutional Court ousted her predecessor, Srettha Thavisin, for ethical infractions.
King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s approval was read to her during a ceremony in Bangkok. Paetongtarn paid tribute to the king’s portrait and conveyed her gratitude. She emphasised her determination to serve the country with dedication and honesty.
Paetongtarn intends to form a 35-member cabinet and prioritise programs promoting Thailand’s culture and tourism. Despite her family’s political tradition, she stated that she will lead independently; however, she may seek counsel from her father, Thaksin.
The Shinawatra family has long dominated Thai politics, with Thaksin and Yingluck being driven from office owing to coups or judicial challenges. Despite previous defeats, Paetongtarn’s ascent to prominence indicates that the family’s influence will endure.
