Thailand's new Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, inherits a significant political legacy. At 37, she is the youngest person to hold the office and the third Shinawatra to become Prime Minister. King Maha Vajiralongkorn appointed her on Sunday, just two years after she entered politics. Her predecessor, Srettha Thavisin, was dismissed by the Constitutional Court over a controversial cabinet appointment.

Paetongtarn previously managed her family's hotel business. She entered politics in late 2022 and was active on the campaign trail while pregnant. She gave birth to a son two weeks before the election, calling him her "secret power." Despite her efforts, her party, Pheu Thai, finished second to the Move Forward Party.

Pheu Thai eventually won when Srettha formed a coalition with pro-military parties. In October 2023, Paetongtarn became the party leader, aiming to revitalize its image.

Born on August 21, 1986, in Bangkok, Paetongtarn is the youngest child of Thaksin Shinawatra, a former telecoms tycoon and ex-Prime Minister ousted in a 2006 coup. She studied hotel management in Britain and married pilot Pidok Sooksawas in 2019. The couple has two children, who often appear in her social media posts.

Paetongtarn's youthful energy and vibrant fashion stand out in Thailand's male-dominated politics. Her selection as Prime Minister, over veteran Chaikasem Nitisiri, reflects Pheu Thai's focus on appealing to younger voters. She will need to manage perceptions of her being influenced by her father, Thaksin, who remains a contentious figure.

BOB Post