Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the 37-year-old daughter of former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, has been elected as Thailand’s new leader after securing the backing of a majority of lawmakers. This significant political development marks a new chapter in the country’s leadership, with Ms. Shinawatra stepping into the role despite having no prior experience in elected office.
Ms. Shinawatra, often referred to by her nickname “Aw Ung Ing,” is a billionaire heiress and the youngest child of Thaksin Shinawatra, who led Thailand from 2001 until he was ousted in a military coup in 2006. Her rise to power comes after the Pheu Thai party, which her father founded, selected her following the dismissal of Prime Minister Srettha Thaksin by the courts. Srettha was removed from office after appointing a cabinet member with a criminal conviction, paving the way for Ms. Shinawatra’s ascension.
The Pheu Thai party, alongside its coalition partners, controls 314 seats in parliament. To secure her position as Prime Minister, Ms. Shinawatra required the backing of more than half of the 493 current lawmakers—a threshold she successfully surpassed, solidifying her position as the nation’s leader.
Before her political journey, Ms. Shinawatra was heavily involved in her family’s business empire, particularly in managing the hotel arm. Her political ambitions became evident when she entered the political arena three years ago, quickly building a public profile and becoming a prominent figure during the 2023 election campaign. Despite being in the last trimester of her pregnancy with her second child, she remained active on the campaign trail, demonstrating her commitment to her political aspirations.
A graduate of Chulalongkorn University, one of Thailand’s premier institutions, Ms. Shinawatra furthered her studies in international hotel management at the University of Surrey in England. Her initial passion was for the hotel industry, but her perspective shifted after starting a family. “My passion is a hotel,” she said in a March 2022 interview. “But after having a child, my thinking changed. I want to make the country livable for my children.”
Her father, Thaksin Shinawatra, although living in exile to avoid corruption charges, has remained a significant figure in Thai politics. The Pheu Thai party, under his influence, has consistently won elections, maintaining a strong base of support across the country. Ms. Shinawatra’s election as Prime Minister not only reflects her political acumen but also the enduring legacy of her father’s influence in Thailand.
Ms. Shinawatra’s rise to power is particularly noteworthy given her personal history. She was just 20 years old when she witnessed the military coup that ousted her father, a pivotal event that undoubtedly shaped her outlook on politics and governance. Now, as the leader of Thailand, she faces the challenge of navigating the country through its complex political landscape, balancing her father’s legacy with her vision for the future.
