Paetongtarn Shinawatra becomes thailand’s youngest prime minister following royal endorsement

Bangkok August 18 2024 : In a significant turn of events, King Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand has formally endorsed Paetongtarn Shinawatra as the nation’s new prime minister, making her the youngest leader in Thai history at just 37 years old. Paetongtarn, the daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and niece of ex-Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, is the second woman to hold this position in Thailand, after her aunt. Her appointment follows a week of political upheaval, culminating in the Constitutional Court’s removal of Srettha Thavisin, her predecessor from the Pheu Thai party. Srettha was ousted after the court ruled he breached ethics rules by appointing a lawyer, who had previously served a prison sentence, to his cabinet. This decision paved the way for Paetongtarn, who had been one of Pheu Thai’s prime ministerial candidates, to be nominated as the sole candidate by the party’s ruling coalition.

During a solemn ceremony at Pheu Thai headquarters in Bangkok, Paetongtarn received the royal endorsement, which was read aloud by the secretary of the House of Representatives. Kneeling before a portrait of the king, she expressed her profound gratitude, stating, “This is the highest honor and pride in my life. I am determined to perform my duties with loyalty and honesty for the benefit of the nation and the people.”Despite her deep-rooted connections to the Shinawatra political dynasty, Paetongtarn emphasized her independence. She acknowledged that while she may seek advice from her father, she intends to govern with her own ideas and vision. Her leadership comes at a time when the Pheu Thai party continues to face challenges from Thailand’s conservative establishment, which has repeatedly clashed with the Shinawatra family’s influence.

Looking ahead, Paetongtarn is expected to appoint a 35-member cabinet and continue advancing policies aimed at promoting Thailand’s cultural heritage and tourism. Her rise to power is seen as a pivotal moment in Thai politics, with the country eagerly watching how she will navigate the complexities of leadership, legacy, and national unity.