Thailand Parliament Elects Paetongtarn Shinawatra as New PM Following Ousting of Previous PM by Court Ruling

Thailand's parliament voted on Friday, August 16, 2024, to appoint Paetongtarn Shinawatra as the country's new prime minister.

This decision came just two days after the Constitutional Court removed the previous prime minister, Srettha Thavisin, from office due to an ethics violation.

The court's ruling has plunged the nation into further political uncertainty and raised concerns over the erosion of democratic rights.

Paetongtarn Shinawatra, also known by her nickname "Ung Ing," is the youngest person in Thai history to assume the role of prime minister at the age of 37.

She is the third and youngest child of Thaksin Shinawatra, who served as prime minister from 2001 to 2006 before being ousted in a coup.

Her aunt, Yingluck Shinawatra, also served as prime minister from 2011 until she was removed in another coup in 2014.

Despite her lack of governing experience, Paetongtarn's rise to power is seen as a continuation of her family's influential political legacy.

The Pheu Thai party, which she represents, has consistently won elections since its founding by her father. However, her appointment has sparked both nostalgia among supporters and criticism from detractors who question her credentials beyond her family name.

Paetongtarn's educational background includes a degree in political science from Chulalongkorn University and studies in international hotel management at the University of Surrey in England.

Her entry into politics was relatively recent, having joined the Pheu Thai party last year and becoming a front-running candidate for prime minister during the campaign that coincided with the final trimester of her second pregnancy.

The political landscape in Thailand remains fraught with challenges. Paetongtarn inherits a floundering economy and is expected to continue some of Mr. Srettha's economic policies, such as advocating for lower interest rates and reduced autonomy for the central bank.

Additionally, she faces potential pressure from the military and royalist allies, who have been accused of undermining the democratic process.

Observers note that Paetongtarn's leadership may be influenced by her father, Thaksin, who continues to wield massive sway over policymaking despite living in exile to escape corruption charges. This dynamic has led to speculation about the extent of her independence as a leader.