Paetongtarn Shinawatra Appointed Thailand’s Prime Minister

Paetongtarn Shinawatra Becomes Thailand’s Prime Minister

On Friday, Thailand’s Parliament made a historic decision by choosing Paetongtarn Shinawatra, 37, to assume the role of the country’s prime minister. This appointment marks the rise of a candidate with no prior governing experience to lead a nation currently grappling with significant political challenges.

Heir to a Powerful Political Dynasty

Paetongtarn, affectionately known as Ung Ing, is the youngest of three children born to Thaksin Shinawatra, a prominent tycoon and former Thai prime minister. Thaksin served as prime minister from 2001 until he was ousted in a coup in 2006. His political legacy continues to thrive through the Pheu Thai party, which his daughter now represents. The party has a history of electoral success, consistently winning elections despite the political upheaval surrounding it.

Even in exile, where he sought refuge to avoid corruption charges, Thaksin has maintained a considerable influence on Thai politics. Paetongtarn’s political lineage also includes her uncle-in-law, Somchai Wongsawat, who was removed from the prime ministership in 2008 after the Constitutional Court dissolved his political party. Additionally, her aunt, Yingluck Shinawatra, once served as prime minister, taking office in 2011 but was ousted in a military coup in 2014. Yingluck fled the country in 2017 to evade charges of criminal negligence.

Background and Education

Growing up in a politically charged environment, Ms. Paetongtarn often accompanied her father during his campaign activities and spent time on the golf course with him. She pursued her education at Chulalongkorn University, one of Thailand’s most prestigious institutions, where she earned a degree in political science. Furthermore, she broadened her academic horizons by studying international hotel management at the University of Surrey in England.