Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn has given his endorsement to Paetongtarn Shinawatra as the new prime minister of Thailand. This comes after she was elected by parliament and paves the way for her to form a Cabinet in the near future. The king’s approval was a formality, but an important step in the process of officially establishing Paetongtarn as the country’s leader.
During a ceremony in Bangkok, House of Representatives Secretary Apat Sukhanand read out the king’s approval, and Paetongtarn, dressed in official uniform, paid homage to a portrait of King Vajiralongkorn. She then delivered a short speech expressing gratitude to the king and the people’s representatives for their support in endorsing her as prime minister. Paetongtarn emphasized her commitment to working with an open heart and listening to all opinions as she leads the executive branch.
At 37 years old, Paetongtarn becomes the youngest prime minister in Thailand’s history. Her appointment follows the removal of her ally Srettha Thavisin by the Constitutional Court. As the daughter of the politically powerful Thaksin Shinawatra, Paetongtarn’s rise to power represents a continuation of her family’s influence in Thai politics. With previous prime ministers in her family, including her aunt Yingluck Shinawatra and father, Paetongtarn steps into the role with a history of political leadership in her blood.
Despite her lack of prior government experience, Paetongtarn will face numerous challenges in her new role. Thailand’s economy is struggling, and her Pheu Thai Party’s popularity has been waning, especially as it has yet to fully deliver on its promises, such as a digital wallet cash handout program worth billions of baht. Paetongtarn will need to navigate these issues and work to stabilize the country while also keeping the support of her party and the broader public as she leads the government.
As prime minister, Paetongtarn will have to contend with ongoing political turmoil and divisions in Thailand. The country has experienced decades of instability, with frequent changes in leadership and ongoing power struggles. Paetongtarn’s appointment comes at a challenging time, and she will need to demonstrate strong leadership and strategic decision-making to address the country’s issues effectively and navigate the complexities of Thai politics.
Overall, Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s endorsement and appointment as prime minister mark a significant moment in Thailand’s political landscape. As she takes on the responsibilities of leading the country, she will need to demonstrate her ability to govern effectively, address critical issues such as the economy and public confidence, and navigate the complexities of Thai politics. With her family’s political legacy behind her, Paetongtarn has the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the country’s future trajectory as its youngest prime minister to date.
