Thailand’s parliament has elected Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the 37-year-old daughter of former leader Thaksin Shinawatra, as the country’s next prime minister. The vote came after the Constitutional Court removed the previous prime minister from office, citing ethics violations. Paetongtarn, a member of the Pheu Thai party, won 319 votes in the House of Representatives and will need to be endorsed by King Maha Vajiralongkorn before taking office.
Paetongtarn’s appointment marks the latest development in Thailand’s complex political landscape, which has seen the Shinawatra family play a dominant role for over two decades. Her father, Thaksin, was ousted in a 2006 coup and has since lived in exile, although he returned to Thailand last year.
The new prime minister faces significant challenges, including reviving Thailand’s economy and addressing the country’s political divisions. Her party’s popularity has been sliding, and she will need to navigate a fragile coalition government.
The Constitutional Court’s recent decisions have sparked concerns about judicial overreach and the erosion of democratic rights in Thailand. Critics argue that the court’s rulings have undermined the will of the people and entrenched the power of the conservative establishment.
Paetongtarn’s appointment is seen as a continuation of the Shinawatra family’s influence in Thai politics, with some experts suggesting that her father may still wield significant behind-the-scenes power. However, it remains to be seen how she will navigate the complex web of alliances and rivalries that define Thailand’s political scene.
