Paetongtarn Shinawatra has become Thailand’s youngest Prime Minister. Previously involved in her family’s hotel business, the 37-year-old was elected to lead to the country after the dismissal of her predecessor.
Paetongtarn Shinawatra made history by becoming Thailand’s youngest-ever and second female Prime Minister. The 37-year-old was elected by the Thai Parliment following the dismissal of Srettha Thavisin due to ‘ethical and moral’ concerns. Shinawatra comes from a prominent political family. She is the third daughter of Thaksin Shinawatra, a former policeman turned telecoms tycoon who revolutionised Thai politics in the early 2000s. Her aunt Yingluck Shinawatra served as Prime Minster from 2011 to 2014. The Shinawatra billionaire family also hails a business empire.
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Prior to her political involvement, Shinawatra used to manage her family’s hotel business. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Sociology, and Anthropology from Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, and a postgraduate degree in International Hotel Management from the University of Surrey in England. Shinawatra enjoyed a massive victory in the Parliament as her party and its allies secured 319 out of 493 seats. She entered politics in 2021, as the chief of Pheu Thai’s Inclusion and Innovation Advisory Committee.
Shinawatra, known by her nickname Ung Ing, is the third member of the family to hold the nation’s top job. She also ran for Prime Minister in 2023. Her campaign promised reducing public transportation fares, expanding healthcare coverage, and doubling the minimum daily wage. She is married to Pidok Sooksawas, a commercial pilot. The couple has two children, including a baby boy that Paetongtarn gave birth to when she was actively campaigning during last year’s election.
Paetongtarn Shinawatra is the youngest individual to hold PM’s position. She is the second woman to serve as Thailand’s prime minister with a vision to bring few changes to policies pursued by her father’s administration. Her government will probably work on boosting growth with more relaxed spending policies and addressing country’s economic issues.
The 37-year-old trailblazer’s journey exemplifies how dedication and a drive for change can transform one’s career and impact an entire nation. Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s journey inspires us all to pursue our passions, overcome challenges and strive for greatness.