Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the youngest child of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, has been confirmed as Thailand’s new prime minister, making her the youngest person to ever hold this position.
- Paetongtarn Shinawatra, 37, was nominated by the ruling coalition after the removal of Srettha Thavisin.
- She is the third member of the Shinawatra family to serve as Thailand’s prime minister, following her father and aunt.
- Paetongtarn was officially approved by the Thai parliament, securing her position as the nation’s leader.
Thailand has a new prime minister
Paetongtarn Shinawatra has become the new prime minister of Thailand after being confirmed by parliament.
She was nominated by the ruling coalition led by her Pheu Thai party, following the constitutional court’s removal of Srettha Thavisin from office.
At 37, Paetongtarn, often referred to by her nickname “Ung Ing,” has made history as Thailand’s youngest prime minister and only the second woman to hold the position, following her aunt Yingluck Shinawatra.
What we know about Paetongtarn Shinawatra
Paetongtarn Shinawatra is not just a political figure but also a prominent businesswoman.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Sociology, and Anthropology from Chulalongkorn University, and a master’s degree in International Hotel Management from the University of Surrey in England.
Before her political career, she was deeply involved in the business sector, serving as the number one shareholder of SC Asset Corporation and holding director positions in several companies.
Her political journey began in earnest when she was elected as the “Head of the Pheu Thai Family” in March 2022.
Paetongtarn became a leading candidate for the prime minister position after her party secured the second-highest number of seats in the House of Representatives in the May 2023 general election.
Despite initial setbacks, she emerged as the party’s prime ministerial candidate following the ousting of Srettha Thavisin and was subsequently elected by parliament on 16 August 2024.
Paetongtarn’s rise to power comes at a time of political tension in Thailand, as the country navigates a complex landscape involving military influence, populist politics, and ongoing legal battles.
Her leadership will be closely watched as she steps into a role previously held by two of her family members, both of whom have left lasting legacies in Thai politics.
