Thai King endorses Paetongtarn Shinawatra as new prime minister
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The newly-elected Paetongtarn Shinawatra is the youngest prime minister to lead Thailand after receiving 319 votes from parliament
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Paetongtarn Shinawatra, known by her nickname "Ung Ing," gestures during a press conference in Bangkok on August 15, 2024. (AFP)
King Maha Vajiralongkorn endorsed Paetongtarn Shinawatra as the next prime minister of Thailand after securing a majority parliamentary vore, a decree published in the Royal Thai Government Gazette announced on Sunday.
"His Majesty the King, on the basis of Article 158 of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand, orders to appoint Paetongtarn Shinawatra to the post of Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand from the moment of signing this decree," the decree read.
The newly-appointed prime minister thanked the Thai ruler, pledging to fulfill her duties for the benefit of Thailand and its people.
Paetongtarn was elected as the 31st Prime Minister on Saturday, making her the youngest and second woman to assume office.
She received a total of 319 votes from parliamentary deputies favoring her candidacy, while 145 voted against and the remaining 27 lawmakers abstained, Thai PBS TV channel reported.
Who is Paetongtarn Shinawatra?
The young Pheu Thai party leader is the daughter of billionaire and former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, an influential figure who was exiled for 15 years after a 2006 coup that ousted him from power.
He returned to Thailand last year after making a deal with his former royalist military enemies, an agreement that is considered a betrayal by his voters.
Paetongtarn is the youngest of three children and the fourth member of the Shinawatra family to become the nation's prime minister.
Thaksin's brother-in-law, Somchai Wongsawat, served as prime minister for a short period in 2008, while his sister, Yingluck Shinawatra assumed office from 2011 to 2014. Both Somchai and Yingluck were removed from office through court rulings.
The newly-elected prime minister has never served in the government but will take up the role during the country's political instability. Despite not being active in parliament, Paetongtarn played an important role in campaigning for the Pheu Thai's elections, enabling them to gain popularity. However, the political party secured the second place in the elections.
