Paetongtarn elected Thailand's youngest PM
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Loading... - Hilda Abbas
- 16 Aug 2024
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Thailand's parliament has elected 37-year-old Paetongtarn Shinawatra, a political newcomer and the youngest prime minister in the country's history, as its new leader. Paetongtarn, the daughter of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, emerged victorious in a parliamentary vote, winning nearly two-thirds of the house with 319 votes. Her election comes amid a turbulent political landscape marked by ongoing power struggles between Thailand's elite factions.
Paetongtarn is now the second female prime minister of Thailand and the third member of the Shinawatra family to hold the office, following her aunt Yingluck Shinawatra and her father Thaksin Shinawatra. Her rise to power is seen as a significant moment for the Shinawatra family, whose political influence has been both formidable and contentious in Thai politics.
However, Paetongtarn faces significant challenges as she steps into her new role. Thailand's economy is struggling, and her Pheu Thai Party is facing increasing competition from rival political forces. Additionally, the party's popularity has been waning, particularly as it has yet to deliver on its major campaign promise of a 500 billion baht ($14.25 billion) cash handout program.
Paetongtarn's victory comes just after her ally, Srettha Thavisin, was dismissed as premier by the judiciary, adding to the political instability in the country. Despite her lack of government experience, Paetongtarn's election represents a bold move by Pheu Thai to regain its footing and influence in Thailand's complex political arena.
