IRIA News

Paetongtarn Shinawatra has become Thailand’s youngest prime minister at 37, on the back of her family’s legacy in the country’s political history. Her appointment, officially endorsed by King Maha Vajiralongkorn, marks the continuation of the Shinawatra dynasty’s influence in Thailand’s complex political landscape.

The daughter of billionaire tycoon and former leader Thaksin was chosen as the country’s second woman prime minister following her aunt Yingluck. Her selection comes just two days after former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin was dismissed by the constitutional court. Both Paetongtarn and Srettha belong to the Pheu Thai Party, which, despite finishing second in the 2023 election, managed to form a ruling coalition.

Paetongtarn received 319 parliamentary endorsement votes against 145 opposing votes, making her the fourth member of the Shinawatra family to assume the role of prime minister in the last two decades. The previous three, including her father Thaksin, and her aunt Yingluck, were all deposed by military coups or constitutional court rulings.

“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,” Paetongtarn said to reporters after the vote results.

Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been officially appointed as Thailand's 31st Prime Minister following a royal command delivered on August 18, 2024, at the Pheu Thai Party headquarters. pic.twitter.com/lNcVvk23ax

— PR Thai Government (@prdthailand) August 18, 2024

She was visibly overwhelmed, admitting that her hands were trembling from excitement. She acknowledged, “I am neither the best nor the most talented one in the room,” but emphasized her strong will and the strength of her team, stating, “My team is strong, experienced, determined, and we share the same ideas. That’s something I value highly.”

Shinawatra family’s political legacy

Paetongtarn’s rise to power is no surprise to those familiar with the Shinawatra family’s enduring political clout. She is the daughter of Thaksin Shinawatra, a billionaire telecom mogul and one of Thailand’s most influential political figures.

Thaksin served as prime minister from 2001 until his government was overthrown in a military coup in 2006. His populist policies and economic reforms left a lasting impact on Thailand but also made him a polarizing figure, especially among the country’s conservative elites.

Paetongtarn’s aunt, Yingluck Shinawatra, also served as prime minister from 2011 until her removal by the Constitutional Court in 2014, followed by another military coup. Yingluck’s tenure was similarly marked by a commitment to populist policies, continuing the legacy of her brother, Thaksin. Both siblings eventually went into self-imposed exile to avoid legal repercussions, with Thaksin returning to Thailand only in August 2023 after more than 15 years abroad.

Challenges ahead

Paetongtarn time in the office would be faced with significant challenges. The country’s economy is struggling, and her party’s popularity has waned, especially after its controversial alliance with the military establishment that once deposed it.

The dissolution of the Move Forwards Party (MFP) by the Constitutional Court earlier this month has further stirred political unrest, as the MFP had won the most seats in the 2023 elections but was blocked from forming a government.

Paetongtarn’s government will also need to address the deep divisions within Thai society. The battle between the pro-royalist military establishment and the populist parties allied with the Shinawatras has defined Thai politics for nearly two decades.

While Paetongtarn has promised to tackle economic issues, such as lowering public transportation fares, expanding healthcare coverage, and doubling the minimum wage, her ability to implement these policies will depend on her ability to navigate the treacherous waters of Thai politics.