Thailand's political landscape witnessed a significant development as Paetongtarn Shinawatra was voted by the parliament to become the country's next prime minister. This decision comes in the aftermath of the Constitutional Court's removal of former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, leading to heightened political uncertainty in the nation.
At 37 years old, Paetongtarn secured 319 votes in the House of Representatives, nominated as the sole candidate by her Pheu Thai party's ruling coalition to succeed Srettha. However, her official assumption of office is pending endorsement by King Maha Vajiralongkorn and the subsequent formation of a Cabinet.
If confirmed, Paetongtarn will become Thailand's second female prime minister, following in the footsteps of her aunt Yingluck, and will hold the distinction of being the youngest individual to hold this prestigious position.
Despite being a political newcomer, Paetongtarn emerged as a prime ministerial candidate for Pheu Thai in the lead-up to the May 2023 national elections, attracting international attention when she gave birth just a fortnight before the polls.
This development adds another layer of complexity to Thailand's political narrative, which has been marked by upheavals and shifts over the years. Paetongtarn is the youngest daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, a prominent figure in Thai politics who was deposed in a military coup in 2006. Thaksin's enduring influence and his implementation of popular economic policies have shaped the country's political landscape for the past two decades.
