Thailand’s parliament has chosen Paetongtarn Shinawatra as the country’s youngest prime minister. Paetongtarn, 37 years old, was elected just a day after stepping into the spotlight during a tough political battle.
Paetongtarn is the daughter of Thaksin Shinawatra, a well-known and controversial political figure. Her election comes after her ally, Srettha Thavisin, was removed from the prime minister position by Thailand’s courts.
Paetongtarn’s victory is significant for her family’s political legacy. The Shinawatra family has been a powerful force in Thai politics, but they recently faced their first election loss in over 20 years. To form a government, they had to work with their rivals in the military.
Although Paetongtarn has never served in the government before, she will now become Thailand’s second female prime minister, following in the footsteps of her aunt, Yingluck Shinawatra, and her father, Thaksin.
Paetongtarn won with 319 votes, nearly two-thirds of the parliament. She was not in the parliament for the vote but watched it from her party’s headquarters.
As prime minister, Paetongtarn will face many challenges. The economy is struggling, and her party’s popularity is declining, especially since they have not yet fulfilled a major promise to give cash handouts to the people.
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