Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been confirmed as Thailand’s newest Prime Minister, making history as the youngest individual to ever hold the position. At 37 years old, Paetongtarn is the third member of the Shinawatra family to lead the country, following her father, Thaksin Shinawatra, and her aunt.
The confirmation comes after a decision by the constitutional court to remove Srettha Thavisin from office. Paetongtarn’s nomination was put forward by the ruling coalition led by her Pheu Thai party and was unanimously approved by the coalition’s 314 members of parliament. With the backing of more than half of the 493 lawmakers, her appointment was secured.
Before venturing into politics, Paetongtarn was actively involved in her family’s business empire, managing their hotel operations. She entered the political arena three years ago and was a prominent figure during the 2023 elections, where she ran as one of Pheu Thai’s prime ministerial candidates. Notably, she gave birth just two weeks before the election day.
Paetongtarn’s appointment marks a significant moment in Thai politics. She will be officially sworn in after receiving royal endorsement, making her the second woman to serve as Prime Minister. Her rise to this role follows a turbulent period in Thai politics, including recent court decisions affecting other political entities.
Paetongtarn, who holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Sociology, and Anthropology from Chulalongkorn University and a Master’s degree in International Hotel Management from the University of Surrey, has held several key positions within the Pheu Thai party, including chair of the advisory committee on participation and innovation, and leader of the “Pheu Thai Family” project.
In her personal life, Paetongtarn is married to commercial airline pilot Pidok Sooksawas, and they have two children.