Rosalind Evans
In a historic and risky move, Thailand’s parliament has elected Paetongtarn Shinawatra as the country’s youngest and second female prime minister. At just 37 years old, she steps into the spotlight amidst political turmoil following the dismissal of her ally, Srettha Thavisin. As the daughter of the divisive Thaksin Shinawatra, Paetongtarn’s appointment carries the weight of a family legacy and her party’s future, Pheu Thai.
A Bold Step into the Political Arena
Paetongtarn’s ascent to the prime minister’s office comes just days after her ally Srettha Thavisin was ousted from power, reflecting the unpredictable nature of Thai politics. With her election by nearly two-thirds of the house, Paetongtarn’s political journey is set to begin under intense scrutiny. “I talked to Srettha, my family, and people in my party and decided it was about time to do something for the country and the party,” she said in her first media comments as prime minister-elect.
Challenges on the Horizon
Despite her victory, Paetongtarn faces immediate and formidable challenges. Thailand’s economy is struggling, and Pheu Thai’s popularity is at risk, especially after failing to deliver its promised 500 billion baht cash handout program. The nation’s benchmark index saw a slight increase of about 1.1% following her election, but the overall economic outlook remains uncertain. Nattabhorn Buamahakul, Managing Partner at Vero Advocacy, noted, “The Shinawatras’ gambit here is risky. It puts Thaksin’s daughter in the crosshairs and in a vulnerable position.”
High Stakes for the Shinawatra Legacy
The stakes are high for Paetongtarn and the entire Shinawatra dynasty. Her father, Thaksin, a former prime minister, has seen his political influence wane after his party’s first election defeat in two decades. The recent dissolution of the anti-establishment Move Forward Party, Pheu Thai’s most prominent challenger, adds further uncertainty to the political landscape. “This is a big bet for Thaksin,” remarked Titipol Phakdeewanich, a political scientist at Ubon Ratchathani University. “She can fail, which is a big risk for the entire Shinawatra dynasty.”
As Paetongtarn Shinawatra prepares to lead Thailand, she faces a baptism by fire in a nation riddled with political upheaval. Her success or failure will shape her future and determine the fate of the Shinawatra legacy in Thai politics. The challenges are immense, but so is the potential for a new chapter in the country’s leadership.
