News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/18th August 2024
Paetongtarn Shinawatra has made history by becoming Thailand’s youngest prime minister at the age of 37. Her appointment was formalized in a royal endorsement ceremony held in Bangkok, marking a significant moment in the country’s political landscape. Following this ceremonial event, she attended a press conference at the Pheu Thai party headquarters, where her leadership journey as Thailand’s new prime minister officially began.
Paetongtarn’s rise to the top political position comes after a decisive election in parliament, where she secured nearly two-thirds of the vote. Just two days after this election, Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn formally endorsed her as the prime minister, a customary procedure in the country’s political system. The royal approval was read out during the ceremony by House of Representatives Secretary Apat Sukhanand, signifying the final step in her appointment.
Paetongtarn Shinawatra, born on August 21, 1986, has been a prominent figure in Thai politics, not only because of her achievements but also due to her family’s deep-rooted political legacy. She is the daughter of Thaksin Shinawatra, who served as Thailand’s prime minister from 2001 to 2006, and the niece of Yingluck Shinawatra, the country’s prime minister from 2011 to 2014. This lineage makes her ascent to the role of prime minister particularly noteworthy, as she becomes the second woman and the youngest individual ever to hold this position in Thailand’s history.
Her political journey has been closely watched, especially given her family’s influence and the controversies surrounding it. The Shinawatra family has been a polarizing force in Thai politics, with both her father and aunt having faced significant political challenges during their respective tenures. Despite this, Paetongtarn has successfully carved out her own path, demonstrating her leadership capabilities and earning the trust of a significant majority in parliament.
Paetongtarn’s leadership of the Pheu Thai Party, which she assumed in 2023, has been instrumental in her political success. Under her guidance, the party has remained a dominant force in Thai politics, and her recent election as prime minister is a testament to her effective leadership and the party’s enduring influence.
As Thailand’s newly appointed prime minister, Paetongtarn is now tasked with forming her cabinet, a crucial step that will shape the direction of her government in the coming weeks. The decisions she makes in this process will be closely scrutinized, both within Thailand and by international observers, as she works to balance the various political, economic, and social challenges facing the country.
The royal endorsement ceremony was a significant moment in Paetongtarn’s political journey. Dressed in her official uniform, she paid homage to a portrait of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, symbolizing her formal acceptance of the responsibilities of her new role. The ceremony, held at the Pheu Thai party headquarters, was attended by key political figures, including her father, Thaksin Shinawatra, who remains a highly influential figure in Thailand’s political landscape.
As Paetongtarn Shinawatra steps into her role as Thailand’s prime minister, the nation watches closely to see how her leadership will unfold. Her ascent marks a new chapter in Thailand’s political history, with the potential to shape the country’s future in significant ways.
