Thailand's second female Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, has been elected as Prime Minister | WPN World People News

On the 16th, Thailand's House of Representatives voted to approve Paetongtarn Shinawatra as the new Prime Minister. She will become the third Prime Minister in her family, following her father, Thaksin Shinawatra, and her aunt, Yingluck Shinawatra. Paetongtarn is also Thailand’s youngest-ever Prime Minister and the second female Prime Minister in the country's history.

According to the Thai constitution, a Prime Ministerial candidate must receive the support of a majority of the House of Representatives to be elected. With 493 members in the House, Paetongtarn Shinawatra was elected with 319 votes in favor, 145 against, and 27 abstentions, securing the position as the 31st Prime Minister.

At 37 years old, Paetongtarn is the youngest daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Her election makes her the third Prime Minister from her family. Her father, Thaksin, was a popular but controversial figure who was ousted in a 2006 military coup. Her aunt, Yingluck, became Prime Minister in 2011 but was also eventually forced into exile. Thaksin returned to Thailand in 2023 and is currently on parole after being convicted of corruption charges.

After her election, Paetongtarn stated that her primary task would be to revitalize the economy. Whether she will continue the 10,000-baht digital wallet policy left by former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is also a matter of public interest. According to constitutional procedures, Paetongtarn's appointment as Prime Minister will take effect once it receives formal approval from the King.