BANGKOK (AFP) – Thailand’s new Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, scion of the kingdom’s most prominent political dynasty, comes to office freighted with a long family history of power, protests and coups.
The 37-year-old, who entered politics just two years ago, is the country’s youngest premier and the third Shinawatra to hold the role.
But she will hope to avoid the fate of her father and aunt, whose terms as PM both ended with the army seizing power in a tussle between the family and Thailand’s pro-royalist, pro-military elite fought over more than 20 years.
Paetongtarn’s Pheu Thai party chose her to replace Srettha Thavisin, sacked as premier on Wednesday by the Constitutional Court ruling for appointing a cabinet minister with a criminal conviction.
A political newcomer, Paetongtarn helped run the hotel arm of the ultra-rich family’s business empire before entering politics in late 2022.
Despite being pregnant, she was a near-constant presence on the campaign trail for last year’s election, regularly leading rallies in the stifling tropical heat.
She gave birth to a son just two weeks before polling day, hailing the baby as her “secret power” and swiftly getting back to canvassing.
But the vote proved a disappointment, as Pheu Thai finished second to the new progressive Move Forward Party.
It was the first time a Shinawatra party had been beaten in a national vote, but Pheu Thai triumphed eventually as Srettha took power in alliance with pro-military parties previously staunchly opposed to Thaksin and his followers.
Pheu Thai members voted overwhelmingly in October 2023 for Paetongtarn to become party leader and vowed to rejuvenate its image.
Known in Thailand by her nickname Ung Ing, she grew up in Bangkok and studied hotel management in Britain.
In 2019 she married commercial pilot Pidok Sooksawas, celebrating with two glitzy receptions — one in the Thai capital, and one in Hong Kong attended by her father, then in self-exile.
The couple now have two children, who feature regularly in playful photos Paetongtarn posts on her social media accounts, where she has over a million followers.
In Thailand’s political scene, long dominated by strait-laced elderly men, Paetongtarn’s youth and energy stand out — her taste for vibrant designer clothes marking a striking contrast to the staid suits and uniforms of her rivals.
She was chosen as Pheu Thai’s PM candidate ahead of party stalwart Chaikasem Nitisiri, 75.
The move showed “Pheu Thai’s strategy to stand by the youth movement”, political analyst Yuttaporn Issarachai told AFP.
But he said it would be difficult to “move on from the conservative and military influence” that has dominated Thai politics for decades.
Critics of Thaksin among Thai elite have long suspected him of effectively running Pheu Thai from afar, and observers will watch keenly for signs of his influence on Paetongtarn’s administration.
In the past she has said she is still his “little girl” and draws strength from his support and guidance.
