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The political landscape of Thailand changed on Sunday, August 18, 2024, when King Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand backed Paetongtarn Shinawatra to be the country’s next prime minister. Paetongtarn, wearing an official uniform knelt before a portrait of the king in Bangkok as a traditional gesture before beginning her term.
Historic Appointment
Paetongtarn became Thailand’s youngest prime minister at 37. She is also the second female leader of her country (after Yingluck) to secure this position. She was elected with an overwhelming two-thirds majority in parliament on Friday.
Family Legacy
Paetongtarn and her father, former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, arrived at the Pheu Thai party headquarters on Sunday. For decades the Shinawatra family has been a powerful political force in Thailand. Thaksin and Paetongtarn’s aunt, Yingluck Shinawatra, both previously served as prime ministers.
Political Context
Thailand’s political scene resembles a high-stakes chess game, and Paetongtarn Shinawatra has just become its newest player. Her rise to power comes amid a backdrop of political upheaval. Just days before Paetongtarn’s appointment, her father Srettha Thavisin was ousted as prime minister by the Constitutional Court. This judicial body has been a key player in Thailand’s political drama for the past two decades.
Challenges Ahead
Economic Hurdles
Thailand’s economic challenges are a major concern for Paetongtarn. The country is in the midst of a struggling economy, and polls are showing her Pheu Thai party losing popularity. The new Prime Minister will have to steer through these challenges as she seeks also to deliver her Party’s policies.
Policy Continuity
During her first press conference, Paetongtarn affirmed that she would follow in the footsteps of her predecessor. In it, she highlighted economic stimulus measures, reform initiatives to curb red tape and address poverty, the war on illegal drugs, and improving the healthcare delivery system among others aside from pushing for gender diversity. The 500-billion-baht ($15 billion) flagship digital wallet cash handout program is currently still the priority.
Political Landscape
Thailand’s political landscape is as volatile as ever. Not least because of the recent breaking up of the 2023 election-winning Move Forward Party. Paetongtarn has to juggle different political camps for her regime to see it through.
Future Plans
Cabinet Formation
Paetongtarn will now focus on forming her cabinet a process that is expected to take several weeks. The composition of her government will be crucial in addressing the country’s pressing issues.
Policy Presentation
The new prime minister also told reporters that she would present her government’s policy before parliament next month. This presentation is expected to cover the main points of her administration’s agenda and plans for the coming years.
Family Ties
When asked about her father, Thaksin, Paetongtarn replied that she does not plan to appoint him as a member of her government. Nonetheless, the new prime minister intends to consult with her father due to his vast experience in Thai politics.
The appointment of Paetongtarn Shinawatra to the position of prime minister of Thailand is a new stage in the country’s political history. While she is faced with the dual challenge of restoring economic performance and coordinating the work of several powerful political forces, her success largely depends on her ability to combine these elements.
The coming months will be crucial as Paetongtarn forms her government and begins to tackle Thailand’s pressing issues.
