Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the 38-year-old heiress of Thailand’s most prominent political dynasty, made history on September 6, 2024, by becoming the country’s youngest prime minister.
Sworn in during a private ceremony with King Maha Vajiralongkorn, she follows in the footsteps of her father, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, and her aunt, Yingluck Shinawatra, both of whom served as Thailand’s leaders in the past two decades.
Her appointment marks the third time a member of the Shinawatra family has held the nation’s top office in the past 23 years, reaffirming the family’s powerful influence in Thai politics.
Paetongtarn Shinawatra steps into office during a period of political turbulence, economic challenges, and social unrest. The months leading up to her swearing-in were marked by the dismissal of her predecessor, Srettha Thavisin, by Thailand’s Constitutional Court, and the dissolution of the Move Forward Party (MFP), the main opposition party.
Despite the turmoil, Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s ascension to the highest office in Thailand is a significant development, not only for the Shinawatra political dynasty but also for Thailand’s ongoing struggle for political stability.
Paetongtarn Shinawatra with Father
As the youngest daughter of the controversial telecoms billionaire Thaksin Shinawatra, Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s political career is both promising and fraught with the legacy of her family’s polarizing history.
Her father’s tenure as prime minister between 2001 and 2006 introduced several popular social welfare policies that endeared him to Thailand’s poorer populations but drew fierce opposition from the country’s royalist-military elite, who ousted him in a coup. Thaksin has since lived in self-exile, avoiding prison sentences for charges of corruption and abuse of power.
Despite his absence, his influence remains a significant force in Thai politics, often creating tension between pro-Thaksin supporters and his conservative detractors. Now, Paetongtarn Shinawatra is tasked with steering the country forward while managing the expectations and pressures that come with her family’s legacy.
Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s ascension also comes at a time when Thailand is experiencing stagnant economic growth, with political instability further complicating efforts to attract investment and stimulate development.
As the leader of Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy, she inherits an economy that has been slow to recover from the global pandemic, with challenges such as rising inflation, increasing public debt, and a declining tourism sector.
Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s leadership will be crucial in addressing these economic challenges while navigating the political fractures within Thai society.
Her 36-member cabinet, which includes a record eight women, reflects a step toward gender equality in Thailand’s political sphere. Despite being relatively new to politics, Paetongtarn Shinawatra has made it clear that she is determined to serve her country with integrity and perseverance.
In a statement to reporters shortly before taking office, she urged her political opponents to give her a chance, saying, “Please be kind to me, please don’t throw any lawsuits on me, I am trying my best.”
Her words underline the difficult road ahead, as Thailand’s political landscape has been marred by lawsuits, military coups, and judicial interventions that have often targeted leaders associated with the Shinawatra family.
Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s predecessor, Srettha Thavisin, was dismissed by the Constitutional Court in mid-August 2024 for appointing a cabinet minister with a criminal conviction. His shock dismissal left Thailand’s political scene in disarray, and Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s swift rise to power has been seen as a way to restore stability to the government.
However, the political divisions in Thailand run deep, with a long-standing power struggle between the Shinawatra family and the conservative establishment that continues to shape the country’s political discourse.
The Shinawatra dynasty has faced numerous challenges over the years, with both Thaksin Shinawatra and Yingluck Shinawatra being removed from office and going into self-exile. Thaksin, now 75 years old, returned to Thailand in 2023 after 15 years in exile.
Upon his return, he was immediately sentenced to eight years in jail for graft and abuse of power charges stemming from his time as prime minister. However, he was swiftly pardoned and had his sentence reduced, fueling speculation that his return was part of a backroom deal struck with Thailand’s political and military elites.
This has only added to the controversy surrounding Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s rise to power, with critics questioning the extent to which her father’s influence will shape her policies and leadership style.
Paetongtarn Shinawatra has made it clear that she wants to prove herself as a leader in her own right. While she is undoubtedly proud of her family’s political legacy, she faces the difficult task of distancing herself from the perception that she is merely a proxy for her father.
According to Khemthong Tonsakulrungruang, an analyst from Chulalongkorn University, “That’s the headwind for Paetongtarn, she has to prove herself that she has her own agenda, she has her own will… and that’s very difficult.”
This challenge will be at the forefront of her leadership as she seeks to carve out her own identity as prime minister while managing the expectations of both her supporters and her critics.
The dissolution of the Move Forward Party (MFP) by the Constitutional Court in the same month that Paetongtarn Shinawatra was sworn in adds another layer of complexity to Thailand’s political landscape.
The MFP, which had surged in popularity during the 2023 general election on promises to reduce the military’s influence and reform royal insult laws, was seen as a threat to the traditional political order.
Its dissolution has raised concerns about the future of democratic reform in Thailand and the ability of opposition parties to challenge the status quo.
For Paetongtarn Shinawatra, leading Thailand during such a politically charged time will require careful navigation of these various factions. The Shinawatra family’s political base is rooted in support from rural and working-class voters who have long benefited from the family’s populist policies.
However, Paetongtarn Shinawatra will need to broaden her appeal to other segments of the population, including the urban middle class and the military establishment, if she hopes to govern effectively.
Despite the challenges ahead, Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s rise to power is a historic moment for Thailand. As the youngest prime minister in the country’s history, she represents a new generation of leadership that could bring fresh perspectives and ideas to Thailand’s political landscape.
Her appointment also marks a milestone for women in politics, with a record number of women serving in her cabinet. This shift toward greater female representation in government could signal a more inclusive and progressive direction for Thailand under her leadership.
Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s success as prime minister will ultimately depend on her ability to navigate the complex political environment in Thailand, manage the country’s economic challenges, and prove herself as a leader independent of her family’s influence.
As she takes on the role of prime minister, she faces immense pressure to deliver on her promises and address the issues facing the country. However, with determination and strategic leadership, Paetongtarn Shinawatra has the potential to lead Thailand through this period of uncertainty and pave the way for a more stable and prosperous future.
Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s appointment as Thailand’s youngest prime minister is a momentous occasion that reflects both the enduring influence of the Shinawatra political dynasty and the challenges that lie ahead for the country. Her leadership will be crucial in addressing Thailand’s political instability, economic stagnation, and social divisions.
As she embarks on this new chapter in her political career, all eyes will be on Paetongtarn Shinawatra as she seeks to prove herself as a capable and effective leader in her own right.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏