Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the new prime minister of Thailand, faces significant economic challenges as she takes office as the country’s youngest leader at the age of 37. Following the dismissal of her predecessor, Srettha Thavisin, by the Constitutional Court, Paetongtarn was elected by a majority in the House of Representatives and endorsed by King Maha Vajiralongkorn.
Coming from a political family background, with her father Thaksin Shinawatra and aunt Yingluck Shinawatra both having served as prime ministers, Paetongtarn has pledged to continue her predecessor’s economic policies, tackle illegal drugs, improve healthcare, and promote gender diversity. However, the struggling economy, high public debt, and past promises unfulfilled, such as the digital wallet scheme for voters, are key concerns for her government.
The Shinawatra family’s influence and the antigovernment sentiments of the Move Forward Party, which was dissolved by the court, pose additional challenges for Paetongtarn. Yet, she has indicated a willingness to seek advice from her father without appointing him to any official position. Despite internal divisions and the re-emergence of the People’s Party as a strong opposition, the new prime minister aims to navigate the political landscape by maintaining continuity and appeasing military and royalist factions.
With stability as a key goal, Paetongtarn’s government will focus on addressing the economic slump and regaining support for her party while balancing the demands of a divided and complex political environment in Thailand.
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