Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the youngest daughter of former Thai leader Thaksin Shinawatra, has been elected as Thailand’s next prime minister in a parliamentary vote. She managed to secure the support of 319 lawmakers out of 500, making her the youngest prime minister in the country’s history. Her rise to power comes after a period of upheaval that saw her predecessor ousted by a court and the dissolution of the top opposition party. Paetongtarn’s appointment maintains the alliance between the Shinawatra-controlled Pheu Thai Party and other royalist conservative and military-backed parties that formed after last year’s election.
Despite her success in the parliamentary vote, Paetongtarn appeared nervous when speaking to reporters for the first time, declining to answer questions about her government’s policies until her appointment is endorsed by King Maha Vajiralongkorn. She comes from a political family, with her father being removed in a 2006 coup and her aunt, Yingluck Shinawatra, being disqualified by a court in 2014. Paetongtarn’s predecessor, Srettha Thavisin, was dismissed by the Constitutional Court in an ethics violation case, leading to her selection as the new leader. Local media reports suggest that she may abandon a plan to distribute cash payments to stimulate the economy.
In addition to keeping the coalition intact, Paetongtarn faces challenges related to Thailand’s sluggish economic growth, attracting foreign investment in high-tech industries, and stemming the outflow of foreign funds from the stock market. The country’s stock index has performed poorly this year, with billions of dollars withdrawn by foreign investors. The baht has also depreciated, and foreign investors have been selling off bonds. Paetongtarn has previously criticized the central bank’s monetary policy and advocated for lower interest rates to address economic issues.
Paetongtarn expressed her intentions to work for the betterment of the country and the party, emphasizing her commitment to moving Thailand forward. However, concerns remain about her ability to lead effectively, with some experts suggesting that she may be influenced by her father, who still holds significant sway in Thai politics. The support from conservative groups for her government indicates a continued deal with the pro-royalist establishment, despite ongoing calls for reforms related to laws protecting the monarch. While her victory brings an end to political uncertainty, there are doubts about the stability of her government and its ability to address economic challenges.
As Thailand’s new leader, Paetongtarn will need to navigate complex political dynamics, economic pressures, and the legacy of her family’s political involvement. The continuation of policies from Srettha’s administration, along with potential changes in key ministerial positions, will shape her government’s approach to governance and economic management. The future of Thailand under Paetongtarn’s leadership remains uncertain, with questions lingering about her capacity to lead effectively and address the country’s pressing issues.
