Paetongtarn Shinawatra, daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, has been sworn in as Thailand’s new prime minister, making her the youngest to hold the position at 37. Her appointment was formally endorsed by King Maha Vajiralongkorn two days after her election by parliament.
Paetongtarn, who leads the Pheu Thai Party, takes over after the dismissal of former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin by the Constitutional Court. As the second woman to serve as Thailand’s prime minister, she faces the challenge of revitalizing a struggling economy and navigating the country’s turbulent political landscape, which has seen multiple governments deposed by military coups and court rulings.
During her swearing-in ceremony, Paetongtarn pledged to work closely with legislators to move the country forward. “I will do my duty with an open heart, listening to all opinions to ensure stability and progress for Thailand,” she said.
Paetongtarn’s leadership comes at a critical time, with many Thai voters concerned about the economy and public debt. She has vowed to continue the policies of her predecessor, including economic stimulus measures, healthcare reform, and efforts to address illegal drug issues. However, the delay in implementing promised initiatives, such as the digital wallet scheme, has raised questions about her party’s effectiveness.
While Paetongtarn’s ascent marks a new chapter for Thailand, she remains under the shadow of her family’s political legacy. Her father, Thaksin, and her aunt, Yingluck Shinawatra, both served as prime ministers before being ousted by coups. Despite these challenges, Paetongtarn’s leadership brings renewed hope for her party’s supporters, who are eager for stability and economic improvement in a divided nation.
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