In a swift move following the dismissal of Srettha Thavisin from his ministerial office by a Constitutional Court ruling, the coalition government parties have nominated Paetongtarn Shinawatra, leader of the Pheu Thai Party, as the 31st Prime Minister of Thailand. The nomination was announced on August 15, 2024, just one day after the court’s decision.
During a press conference held at Shinawatra Tower 3 in Bangkok, coalition leaders expressed their regret over Srettha’s removal but emphasized the need for the country to move forward. “We are all ready to provide full support and cooperation, including being prepared to implement the policies of the incoming Prime Minister from the first day of their official appointment,” stated Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party.
Paetongtarn, who turns 38 on August 21, thanked the Pheu Thai Party and coalition partners for their confidence in her leadership. The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, has scheduled a special parliamentary session on August 16 to consider and confirm the nomination under Section 159 of the Constitution, which will lead to the election of a new Prime Minister.
The parliamentary vote requires the candidate to be on a party’s list and supported by at least 5% of MPs, or more than 25 members. Currently, there are seven eligible candidates from five political parties, including Chaikasem Nitisiri and Paetongtarn from Pheu Thai; Anutin Charnvirakul from Bhumjaithai; Gen. Prawit Wongsuwan from Palang Pracharath; and Pirapan Salirathavibhaga from United Thai Nation Party. Notably, Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha and Jurin Laksanawisit were excluded from the race due to their current roles in the Privy Council and the opposition, respectively.
Initially, Paetongtarn’s name was not considered for the nomination as she was still in China on August 14. However, during a crucial meeting at Thaksin Shinawatra’s residence, where key Pheu Thai ministers and coalition members gathered, Chaikasem Nitisiri was also considered as a potential candidate. Some party insiders, including Suranand Vejjajiva, a former minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, speculated that Chaikasem might be chosen first, allowing Paetongtarn to gain more experience. Despite these considerations, Paetongtarn secured the majority of votes from Pheu Thai MPs on August 15.
Paetongtarn’s close connection to the people, having campaigned alongside Srettha across the country, was cited as a key reason for her selection. In contrast, Chaikasem’s age, health issues, and past controversies were seen as potential liabilities.
Meanwhile, the Democrat Party announced on August 15 that its MPs would abstain from voting in the upcoming parliamentary session. Pramuanl Pongthaworndet, chairman of the Democrat Party’s MPs, confirmed the decision, which was made unanimously after considering the party’s progress and unity.
Paetongtarn’s political journey is deeply rooted in her family’s legacy. Born on August 21, 1986, she is the youngest child of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Despite the political turmoil that her family has faced—her father, her uncle-in-law, and her aunt, Yingluck Shinawatra, were all removed from office—Paetongtarn entered politics officially at the age of 36 during the Pheu Thai Party’s general meeting in October 2021. She was introduced as the party’s chief advisor for participation and innovation at the event.
Paetongtarn’s education includes a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Chulalongkorn University and further studies in International Hospitality Management at the University of Surrey in the United Kingdom. She has since been involved in the family business, becoming the largest shareholder of SC Asset Corporation and holding shares in numerous other companies.
Her personal life includes marriage to Pidok Suksawat in 2019 and the birth of two children, a daughter and a son, the latter born just before the 2023 general election. Although Pheu Thai came second to the Move Forward Party in that election, the party managed to form a coalition government. Paetongtarn chose not to take a ministerial role, instead focusing on her duties within the party.
Paetongtarn’s nomination as Prime Minister is seen as a significant moment in Thai politics. However, the challenges ahead are daunting, especially with Thailand’s economy struggling in the post-COVID-19 era. Her leadership will be closely watched, not only for her ability to manage the country’s recovery but also to see if she can overcome the political obstacles that have plagued her family’s legacy.
As the parliamentary vote approaches, the public and political analysts alike are speculating whether Paetongtarn will succeed where her predecessors have faltered. Her assertive approach to criticism and her deep connection to the Pheu Thai Party may prove crucial in navigating the challenges that lie ahead.
