Thailand's Parliament chose Paetongtarn Shinawatra, 37, to become the country’s prime minister on Friday, elevating a candidate with no governing experience to the leadership of a nation in profound political turmoil. Paetongtarn, also known by her nickname, Ung Ing, is the third and youngest child of the tycoon Thaksin Shinawatra, 75, who was prime minister from 2001 to 2006. The political parties he founded, including the Pheu Thai party his daughter now represents, consistently won elections. He was removed in a coup but has wielded influence even while living in exile to escape corruption charges. Ms. Paetongtarn’s uncle, Somchai Wongsawat, was also removed as prime minister in 2008, when the Constitutional Court ordered the dissolution of his party. Her aunt, Yingluck Shinawatra, 57, is a former prime minister who has faced the same fate. A younger sister of Mr. Thaksin, she became prime minister in 2011 and was removed in a coup in 2014 and fled the country in 2017 to avoid criminal negligence charges. As a child, Ms. Paetongtarn shadowed her father while he campaigned and played golf. She graduated from Chulalongkorn University, one of Thailand’s top schools, with a degree in political science. She studied international hotel management at the University of Surrey in England.
The Political Legacy of Thaksin Shinawatra
The Shinawatra family has a long and complicated history in Thai politics, marked by both success and upheaval. Thaksin Shinawatra's populist policies and economic reforms earned him widespread popularity among the rural population, but his critics accused him of corruption and authoritarianism. His removal in a 2006 coup sparked a period of political instability, with subsequent governments struggling to maintain power in the face of street protests, judicial rulings, and military interventions.
A New Generation Takes the Reins
Paetongtarn's elevation to the prime ministership marks a new chapter in Thai politics, with a new generation stepping into the limelight. While she inherits a legacy of political strife and economic challenges, she also has the opportunity to shape the country's future. Her lack of experience, however, raises concerns about her ability to navigate the complex political landscape and address the country's pressing issues.
Challenges Await Paetongtarn
Paetongtarn will face a number of immediate challenges, including a sluggish economy, dwindling popularity for her Pheu Thai Party, and a deep political divide. She will also have to contend with the lingering influence of her father, Thaksin, who remains a controversial figure in Thai politics.
A New Era of Thai Politics?
The political landscape in Thailand remains volatile, with the future of the country uncertain. Paetongtarn's ascension to power marks a turning point in Thai politics, but it remains to be seen whether she can bring stability and prosperity to the nation. Her ability to navigate the complex political landscape, address the country's economic woes, and forge a path toward national reconciliation will determine the success of her premiership.
