Thailand has elected its youngest prime minister in history: 37-year-old Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
She was elected just two days after the Constitutional Court removed former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin from office.
Paetongtarn, who leads the ruling Pheu Thai party, secured a decisive majority in parliament earlier today.
Paetongtarn Shinawatra is no stranger to power.
According to Reuters, Shinawatra is the daughter of Thaksin Shinawatra, a billionaire and former prime minister, and the niece of Yingluck Shinawatra, also a former prime minister. Both Thaksin and Yingluck were ousted by military coups and went into exile, but their influence in Thai politics endures.
Thailand’s Second Female Prime Minister
Paetongtarn follows in the footsteps of her aunt Yingluck, becoming only the second woman to lead Thailand.
Her rise to power marks a moment for the country, as she steps into the role with the full backing of the ruling coalition, which holds a strong majority in parliament.
The swift leadership change comes after Srettha Thavisin, who had served less than a year, was removed from office due to a lawsuit filed by 40 senators. The suit alleged a breach of professional ethics, leading to his ousting.
Paetongtarn’s nomination as the sole candidate for prime minister followed soon after, with her election cementing a new chapter in Thailand’s political landscape.
