Paetongtarn Shinawatra, at 37, has been officially endorsed as Thailand’s youngest prime minister, just days after her ally Srettha Thavisin was removed from office by the Constitutional Court. This development comes amid Thailand’s prolonged political instability, a characteristic feature of its two decades of intermittent political turmoil.
Paetongtarn, who is also Thailand's second female prime minister, succeeds Srettha following his dismissal. She is the daughter of the controversial former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, and her ascension marks the third time a Shinawatra has occupied the prime minister's office, following her father and her aunt, Yingluck Shinawatra. Her election received nearly two-thirds support in the House vote on Friday, underscoring significant political backing.
King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s endorsement of Paetongtarn on Sunday, a ceremonial formality, was marked by her kneeling in homage to the king’s portrait and delivering a brief speech. In her address, she expressed her commitment to working with an open heart and listening to various opinions to advance the country's stability.
Despite her fresh entry into government, Paetongtarn faces considerable challenges. The economy is struggling, and her party, Pheu Thai, is facing dwindling popularity. Key promises, such as the digital wallet cash handout program valued at 500 billion baht ($15 billion), remain unfulfilled. Paetongtarn has vowed to continue the policies of her predecessor, including major economic stimulus efforts, tackling illegal drugs, enhancing the universal healthcare system, and promoting gender diversity. She has indicated that while the flagship digital wallet policy will proceed, there will be a thorough review to ensure it remains financially sustainable.
In her initial press conference, Paetongtarn confirmed that her father, Thaksin, would not be appointed to any official government role but would serve as an advisor. She plans to present detailed government policies to parliament next month.
The swift change in leadership reflects Thailand’s tumultuous political landscape, marked by frequent coups, court rulings, and shifting alliances. Srettha’s downfall, after less than a year in office, serves as a stark reminder of the precarious nature of Thai politics, which has seen numerous governments and prime ministers rise and fall amidst a backdrop of legal and political conflicts.
The recent court decision to remove Srettha and dissolve the anti-establishment Move Forward Party—the 2023 election winner—further exemplifies the ongoing struggle within Thailand's political sphere. The Move Forward Party's dissolution stemmed from its campaign to amend a royal insult law, which the court ruled threatened the constitutional monarchy. This move has led to the formation of a new political entity, the People’s Party, regrouping from the remnants of the dissolved Move Forward Party.
The ongoing instability underscores the challenges Paetongtarn will face as she navigates Thailand’s complex political terrain and works to implement her administration’s policies amid a backdrop of entrenched political divisions and historical volatility.
