Paetongtarn Shinawatra, a member of Thailand's prominent Shinawatra political family, has been officially endorsed as the country's new prime minister. At 37 years old, she is the youngest prime minister in Thailand's history. Paetongtarn is the daughter of former leader Thaksin Shinawatra and the niece of Yingluck Shinawatra, who also served as prime minister.
Her appointment comes after a series of political developments, including the ousting of her predecessor, Srettha Thavisin, by the Constitutional Court. Following the court's decision, Paetongtarn was nominated as the sole candidate by the Pheu Thai party's ruling coalition and subsequently approved by King Maha Vajiralongkorn.
In a ceremony at Pheu Thai headquarters in Bangkok, Paetongtarn expressed her gratitude to the king and pledged to serve the nation with loyalty and honesty. She is now tasked with forming a cabinet and leading her ministers in taking an oath before the king.
The Shinawatra family's political influence in Thailand has been marked by both success and controversy. Thaksin Shinawatra, a powerful figure in Thai politics, was ousted in a coup in 2006 but has continued to shape the country's political landscape through his populist policies.
Paetongtarn's ascension to the role of prime minister adds another chapter to the ongoing saga of political upheaval in Thailand. Parties aligned with the Shinawatra family have faced challenges in maintaining power, with past leaders being removed from office due to coups or legal decisions.
Thaksin's return from self-imposed exile last year has further complicated the political dynamics in Thailand. As Paetongtarn takes on her new role, she will navigate a complex political environment shaped by decades of power struggles and shifting alliances.
