Daughter of Thailand’s ex-PM set to become the youngest leader in history

Thailand’s Parliament has elected Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the youngest daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, as the country’s new prime minister. This significant move marks her as the third leader from the Shinawatra family, following her father Thaksin, who was ousted by a military coup in 2006, and her aunt, Yingluck Shinawatra, who is living in exile.

At 37, Paetongtarn becomes Thailand’s second female prime minister, and she was elected without any opposition as the sole nominee. She secured 319 votes in favor, with 145 against her and 27 opting to abstain. The voting process involved Members of Parliament casting their votes publicly, which took about an hour.

Before she can officially assume her role as prime minister, Paetongtarn must receive royal endorsement, although the timing of this is yet to be determined. Following the vote, she addressed her party members at their office in Bangkok, where she expressed her excitement, stating she was honored and thankful for the support. “I really hope that I can make the people feel confident, that we can build the opportunity and the quality of life,” she remarked, emphasizing her commitment to progressing the nation’s interests.

This transition in leadership comes just two days after the previous prime minister, Srettha Thavisin, was removed from office due to ethical violations. The Constitutional Court found him guilty related to the appointment of a cabinet member involved in a bribery scandal.

Thaksin Shinawatra remains a polarizing but influential figure in Thai politics. Despite being ousted, he continues to be viewed as a de facto leader of the Pheu Thai party, which is the latest in a series of political organizations linked to him. His popularity, albeit contentious, appears to have played a significant role in garnering support for Paetongtarn.

Paetongtarn made her political debut in 2021 when she was named the leader of an inclusion advisory committee by the Pheu Thai party. She was elected as the party leader last year and was one of three candidates proposed for the premiership ahead of the elections.

While on the campaign trail, she openly acknowledged her heritage but firmly stated that she aimed to create her own path within politics. “I am my dad’s daughter, always and forever, but I have my own decisions,” she reiterated during an interview.

Despite her efforts to distance herself from her father’s political shadow, analysts suggest that his influence cannot be overlooked. Petra Alderman, a political research fellow at the University of Birmingham, commented on the complexities of stepping into leadership while tied to such a powerful figure. “Thaksin was a political force to reckon with, but he was also a liability,” she noted, highlighting his tendency to dominate political discussions, which could complicate Paetongtarn’s governance.

Alderman also emphasized that while Paetongtarn enjoys a robust backing from her party and coalition, the political landscape in Thailand often shifts due to the actions of unelected institutions, such as the Election Commission and the Constitutional Court, as well as the military. Thus, the stability of her leadership will depend on dancing between these powers.

In the past two weeks, Thai politics has experienced significant upheaval. Not only was Srettha removed, but the Constitutional Court also dissolved the progressive Move Forward party, which had gained considerable support in the previous year’s elections but was prevented from forming a government. The party is now regrouping as the People’s Party.

Pheu Thai has historically won all national elections since 2001 with its populist policies focusing on economic issues and equity, though it faced a setback in 2023 against the reformist Move Forward party. Despite this, Pheu Thai secured the opportunity to form a government after Move Forward was sidelined, leading to its collaboration with parties linked to the military government that previously ousted it.

Thaksin’s return from exile last year was perceived as part of a political compromise aimed at preventing the Move Forward party’s ascendency to power. Following recent changes in the political landscape, Paetongtarn’s connection to her father could reinforce their coalition’s unity. Political analysts suggest that her familial ties could provide a clearer decision-making structure and manage internal party factions.

As the new political framework unfolds, with Move Forward’s candidacy effectively neutralized, it seems that major parties will engage in a strategic game to maintain political influence while intentionally excluding reformist voices. Observers note that the overarching aim remains consistent: to sustain the status quo and preserve political power within established party lines.

Source: CBS News