- Thailand's recently appointed head of administration obtains the royal endorsement
Thailand's monarch, King Maha Vajiralongkorn, has chosen Paetongtarn Shinawatra as the new head of government. He officially appointed her in a ceremony, enabling her to form her own cabinet. As stated by the "Bangkok Post," Paetongtarn vowed to carry out her duties "to the utmost of her abilities, show loyalty to the royal institution, and act genuinely for the betterment of the general public and the nation." At just 37 years old (turning 38 on August 21), she's the youngest individual to ever hold the premier position in this Southeast Asian country, and the second woman, following her aunt Yingluck Shinawatra.
Paetongtarn secured her position with a significant parliamentary majority during Friday's election, which was prompted by the Constitutional Court's decision to oust Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin.
The powerful Shinawatra family has held sway over Thailand on multiple occasions. Paetongtarn, the daughter of business tycoon and former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, becomes the latest family member to take control. Both Thaksin and Yingluck served as leaders for several years before being deposed by military coups. Thaksin eventually left the country in 2008 to avoid serving a prison sentence and was re-arrested upon his return to Thailand in 2023.
His original sentence was subsequently reduced and suspended, but it was reportedly lifted early today due to a royal pardon. He remains, however, charged with lese-majeste.
Historically, Thailand has experienced numerous military coups, governments led by the military, and protests from the democracy movement. Recently, the Constitutional Court disbanded the progressive Move Forward Party (MFP) - the actual winner of the 2023 parliamentary election - under pressure from conservative forces.
Paetongtarn's appointment as premier aligns with the Shinawatra family's history of political influence in Thailand, as she joins her father Thaksin and aunt Yingluck as leaders, despite their previous ousters. Other political parties, such as the progressive Move Forward Party, have faced challenges and have been targeted by conservative forces.
Paetongtarn's commitment to serving the public and the nation echoes that of her aunt Yingluck Shinawatra, who demonstrated loyalty and dedication during her time as prime minister, despite facing similar challenges and criticisms.
