Thailand has just witnessed a significant moment in its political history as Paetongtarn Shinawatra was elected as the country's youngest prime minister. This election not only marks her personal achievement but also continues the enduring legacy of the Shinawatra family in Thai politics. Paetongtarn is the third leader from her family to take on the role, following in the footsteps of her father, Thaksin Shinawatra, and her aunt, Yingluck Shinawatra.
Thaksin Shinawatra, one of Thailand’s most popular yet controversial political figures, was ousted by a military coup in 2006. His removal from power sparked deep political divisions that have shaped the country's landscape ever since. Fast forward to today, and it seems that Paetongtarn’s rise to power might be linked to a strategic deal her father made with his old political adversaries. This move allowed Paetongtarn's populist party to take control, sidelining the more progressive party that initially secured the most votes in last year’s election.
At just 37 years old, Paetongtarn is making history as Thailand’s youngest prime minister and the country’s second female leader, following her aunt Yingluck. Despite her youth, she has already made a significant impact. She was confirmed as the only nominee with an overwhelming 319 votes in favor, 145 against, and 27 abstentions.
Paetongtarn is at the helm of the Pheu Thai party, which is the latest in a series of political groups connected to her father. Interestingly, she doesn’t hold a seat as an elected lawmaker—a requirement that was not necessary for her to become a candidate for prime minister. Before stepping into the political arena, Paetongtarn had a career as a business executive, and during her campaign, she expressed a deep sense of honor and gratitude. “I really hope that I can make people feel confident, that we can build opportunity and quality of life,” she said after the vote.
Her ascent to power wasn’t without its challenges. Paetongtarn’s nomination came just days after the removal of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin of the same party. He was ousted after being found guilty of an ethical breach by Thailand’s Constitutional Court, a decision that sent shockwaves through the political landscape. This ruling followed the dissolution of the progressive Move Forward party, which had won last year’s general election but was blocked from taking office.
Paetongtarn’s entry into politics in 2021, when she was announced as the leader of an inclusion advisory committee for Pheu Thai, marked the beginning of her public political career. While on the campaign trail, she acknowledged her family ties but was keen to emphasize her individuality. “I am my dad’s daughter, always and forever, but I have my own decisions,” she stated.
Yet, despite her desire to step out of her father’s shadow, Paetongtarn’s path forward will likely be influenced by Thaksin’s enduring presence in the political scene. Serving as prime minister while Thaksin continues to exert influence over Pheu Thai presents its own set of challenges. As political expert Petra Alderman noted, while Paetongtarn enjoys considerable public and political support, her tenure will be shaped by the complex and often unpredictable dynamics of Thai politics.
In Thailand, who governs and for how long often depends on more than just electoral success. The influence of unelected bodies such as the Election Commission of Thailand, the Constitutional Court, and the potential threat of military coups are factors that can dramatically alter the course of any administration.
The Shinawatra family’s political influence has been a constant since 2001, with Pheu Thai and its predecessor parties consistently winning national elections on the back of populist policies aimed at addressing economic disparities. However, the recent political landscape has been anything but straightforward, with the reformist Move Forward party winning the 2023 election only to be blocked from taking power by a military-appointed Senate.
Thaksin’s return to Thailand last year, coinciding with the approval of Srettha as prime minister, was widely seen as part of a political deal to keep Move Forward out of power. This coalition between Pheu Thai and its former conservative rivals is now under Paetongtarn’s leadership. Her close connection to her father could either help unify the coalition or complicate her ability to govern independently.
In a political environment as complex as Thailand’s, Paetongtarn’s journey as prime minister will undoubtedly be one to watch. She has already made history, but the true test will be how she navigates the challenges that lie ahead, balancing her family legacy with the demands of leading a nation.
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