Paetongtarn Shinawatra Elected Thailand’s New Prime Minister: A Look at Her Rise and What It Means
In a significant political development, Thailand’s Parliament has elected Paetongtarn Shinawatra as the country’s new prime minister. This move continues the influential legacy of the Shinawatra family, following in the footsteps of her father, Thaksin Shinawatra, and her aunt, Yingluck Shinawatra. Here’s an in-depth look at Paetongtarn’s rise to power, the political implications, and what lies ahead for Thailand.
Paetongtarn Shinawatra: Thailand’s New Prime Minister
Paetongtarn Shinawatra, at just 37, has made history as Thailand’s youngest prime minister and the second female leader after her aunt Yingluck. Her election marks a new chapter in the enduring influence of the Shinawatra family, known for its populist policies and strong public appeal.
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Election Results: Paetongtarn was elected with 319 votes in favour, 145 against, and 27 abstentions. This overwhelming support reflects the significant backing from her party, Pheu Thai, and their allies.
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Background: Before entering politics, Paetongtarn was a business executive. She first gained political prominence in 2021 when appointed to lead an inclusion advisory committee for Pheu Thai. She was officially named one of Pheu Thai’s three prime ministerial candidates in 2023 and became the party leader the following year.
The Legacy of the Shinawatra Family
The Shinawatra family’s political legacy is a mix of popularity and controversy. Thaksin Shinawatra, Paetongtarn’s father, was a former prime minister who was ousted by a military coup in 2006, leading to years of political turbulence in Thailand.
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Thaksin Shinawatra: Thaksin’s tenure was marked by significant economic reforms and strong public support. However, his administration was also marred by allegations of corruption and a polarising political climate. His return to Thailand last year, after years in exile, set the stage for Paetongtarn’s rise.
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Yingluck Shinawatra: Paetongtarn’s aunt, Yingluck, was Thailand’s first female prime minister. Her tenure was similarly characterised by populist policies but ended with her ousting in a military coup in 2014. Yingluck has lived in exile since.
Political Context and Implications
Paetongtarn’s election comes at a time of significant political upheaval in Thailand. Her rise is closely linked to a broader political deal involving her father and various conservative factions.
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Political Deal: The election of Paetongtarn appears to be the result of a political bargain. Her family’s influence has played a crucial role in this transition. The previous prime minister, Srettha Thavisin, was removed from office after being found guilty of an ethical breach.
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Impact of the Constitutional Court: Recent decisions by the Constitutional Court, including the dissolution of the progressive Move Forward party, have also shaped the current political landscape. The court’s actions have created a power vacuum that Pheu Thai and its allies are now poised to fill.
Challenges and Future Prospects
While Paetongtarn’s appointment marks a return to power for the Shinawatra family, it also comes with significant challenges. The political environment in Thailand is fraught with complexities that will test her leadership.
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Family Ties and Political Influence: Despite Paetongtarn’s insistence that she is not merely her father’s proxy, her role will inevitably be influenced by Thaksin’s substantial political presence. Political analyst Petra Alderman notes that Thaksin’s involvement can be both an asset and a liability.
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Factionalism and Governance: The coalition backing Paetongtarn includes both Pheu Thai and former conservative rivals. This alliance may help to stabilise the government but could also lead to internal conflicts. Napon Jatusripitak, a political science researcher, suggests that Paetongtarn’s clear connection to her father may help to streamline decision-making and reduce factionalism.
Conclusion
Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s election as Thailand’s prime minister marks a significant moment in the country’s political history. As the youngest and second female leader from the Shinawatra family, she represents both continuity and change. Her leadership will be closely watched, as she navigates the challenges of governance amid a complex political landscape.
The road ahead for Paetongtarn and Thailand will be shaped by her ability to address the nation’s pressing issues while managing the enduring influence of her family’s legacy. As she steps into this prominent role, all eyes will be on her to see how she handles the expectations and pressures that come with it.
Useful Links:
- Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s Profile: Click here
- Thaksin Shinawatra’s Political Legacy: Click here
- Yingluck Shinawatra’s Exile: Click here
- Pheu Thai Party Overview: Click here
- Constitutional Court Decisions: Click here
