Growing up as the youngest child of Thaksin, a prominent Thai politician turned telecoms tycoon, Paetongtarn, also known as Ung Ing, was deeply ingrained in the country’s tumultuous politics from a young age. Her father’s rise to wealth and power led to the founding of the Thai Rak Thai Party in 1998, setting the stage for a political journey that would shape Paetongtarn’s life.
With her father becoming Prime Minister in 2001, Paetongtarn witnessed firsthand the implementation of policies such as increased spending on healthcare, rural development, and farming subsidies, which became known as “Thaksinomics” and aimed to uplift the poor in Thailand. However, his time in office was cut short by a military coup in 2006, leading to a period of upheaval and uncertainty for the Thaksin family.
Following her father’s ouster, Paetongtarn faced challenges of her own, including accusations of cheating while studying at a university in Thailand. She recalled the difficult years of being surrounded by hate and seeing her father’s image defaced on walls, which made it challenging for her to navigate through the turmoil of political upheaval and personal attacks at a young age.
Despite the hardships she faced, Paetongtarn persevered and continued to pursue her education and personal growth. She reflected on the resilience and determination that sustained her during those trying times, emphasizing the importance of overcoming adversity and staying true to oneself amidst the chaos and animosity that surrounded her.
As she matured into adulthood, Paetongtarn remained resilient and focused on her own path, aiming to carve out her identity beyond her father’s legacy. Her dedication to education and personal development became a driving force in her life, allowing her to navigate the challenges of being the daughter of a polarizing figure in Thai politics.
Through her experiences and struggles, Paetongtarn emerged as a young woman with a strong sense of identity and purpose, determined to make her mark on the world in her own way. Despite the shadows of her father’s political career looming over her, she found the strength to forge her path and define her own destiny, embodying the spirit of resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
