Bangkok, Thailand – Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the 37-year-old daughter of former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, has been elected as Thailand’s youngest Prime Minister, marking the continuation of the influential Shinawatra political dynasty. Paetongtarn’s election comes after the constitutional court ousted her predecessor, Srettha Thavisin, citing ethical violations. She is now the fourth member of her family to hold Thailand’s top political office, following in the footsteps of her father, her uncle Somchai Wongsawat, and her aunt Yingluck Shinawatra.
Paetongtarn’s rise to power has been closely watched, given her family’s tumultuous history in Thai politics. Her father, Thaksin Shinawatra, was removed in a military coup in 2006 and has lived in exile for much of the past two decades due to corruption charges. Her aunt, Yingluck Shinawatra, who became Thailand’s first female Prime Minister, was also ousted in 2014 and remains in exile. Despite these challenges, the Shinawatra family’s influence in Thai politics remains strong.
Paetongtarn Shinawatra
Paetongtarn officially entered politics in 2021 when she was appointed as the chief of the Inclusion and Innovation Advisory Committee of the Pheu Thai Party. Her commitment to her political career was evident as she campaigned across the country while pregnant with her second child, who was born just two weeks before the election.
Her election as Prime Minister comes at a time of significant political instability in the region. In neighboring Bangladesh, the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has plunged the country into uncertainty. Meanwhile, ongoing violence between militant groups and Myanmar’s military junta threatens to destabilize the region further, jeopardizing India’s investments and peace along its northeastern border. Additionally, Sri Lanka is preparing for presidential elections in September, adding to the regional volatility. Paetongtarn Shinawatra
The instability in Thailand, coupled with the challenges facing other countries in the region, has cast a shadow over the upcoming BIMSTEC summit in Bangkok on September 4. Despite extensive preparations and negotiations on agreements related to digital payments, connectivity, and maritime cooperation, there are concerns that the summit may need to be postponed.
As Paetongtarn Shinawatra takes on her new role, she faces the daunting task of steering Thailand’s economy back on track while avoiding the pitfalls that led to the downfall of her predecessors. Given her lack of political experience, she is expected to rely heavily on her father, Thaksin, who has returned from exile after reaching a compromise with the establishment. However, the question remains whether she can navigate the conservative establishment and bring about the change her party has long advocated for.
In the coming months, all eyes will be on Thailand’s new Prime Minister as she attempts to balance her political legacy with the pressing needs of her country and the broader region.
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