Paetongtarn Shinawatra: Thailand’s political sector’s rising star

[webfact]

 

Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the dynamic youngest daughter of former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, is making waves in the nation’s political sector. As the current leader of the ruling Pheu Thai Party, she brings a combination of academic prowess and political lineage to the table.

 

Holding degrees in Sociology and Anthropology from Chulalongkorn University and in International Hotel Management from the University of Surrey, she is also enlisted in a national defence programme at the National Defence College.

 

Her political career took off in 2021 when she was appointed the chair of Pheu Thai’s advisory committee on political participation and innovation. Her father’s political career, which began when she was just eight years old, exposed her to the world of politics and inspired her ambitions.

 

Paetongtarn Shinawatra stated, “I feel like politics isn’t entirely new to me because when I was eight years old, my dad started his own political party. I had the opportunity to attend several meetings with him and meet many people, ‘big name’ people.”

Continuing on her political trajectory, on March 20, 2022, she assumed the leadership of the ‘Pheu Thai Family’. This strategic move positioned her well for the upcoming national election, where she emerged as a prime ministerial candidate of the party.

In the wake of the election, when the former party leader, Cholnan Srikaew, stepped down, Paetongtarn Shinawatra was the clear choice for the top position. Today, she stands as one of the most powerful women in the Pheu Thai-led coalition.

 

Despite critics attributing her rise to her father’s influence, she remains steadfast in her commitment to bring about societal change.

 

The political leader said, “The very first day I entered politics, I didn’t ask for any position or role in the party. I simply hoped that I could do something to bring about change. I believe I’ve stayed in politics for so long because of that.”

 

Championing soft power

 

In addition to her political roles, Paetongtarn Shinawatra is the chair of the national committee on soft power development. The committee aims to elevate Thailand’s global recognition in 11 areas, including fashion, books, films, TV series, festivals, gastronomy, design, tourism, games, music, arts, and sports.

 

She stated, “Our responsibility is to enable the country and its people to monetise their talents. Therefore, the soft power policy represents a new approach with the potential to profoundly impact and improve people’s lives. However, we must also focus on educating the public about its significance.”

 

While speculation about her future as the prime minister continues, Paetongtarn Shinawatra remains focused on gaining work experience and honing her political charisma. Regardless of the outcome, she remains an inspiration to many, demonstrating resilience in overcoming political challenges, reported Bangkok Post.

 

by Mitch Connor

Photo Credit Paetongtarn Shinawatra official Instagram - ingshin21

 

Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-11

 

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[connda]

Dynasties are a danger to democracy. 

[JoePai]

Holding degrees in Sociology and Anthropology  - fertile ground with all the old fossils in power

[bamnutsak]

Rug starting to move under the current PM.

 

53 minutes ago, webfact said:

She stated, “Our responsibility is to enable the country and its people to monetise their talents.

 

Hence the dust-up with cheap imports recently on Soi 11.

 

 

 

[ikke1959]

International Hotel Management???? Not a degree in politics? Just because she went with her father and was brainwashed she knows??

[herfiehandbag]

1 hour ago, connda said:

Dynasties are a danger to democracy. 

Unlike the military...

[scorecard]

54 minutes ago, bamnutsak said:

Rug starting to move under the current PM.

 

 

Hence the dust-up with cheap imports recently on Soi 11.

 

 

 

[scorecard]

Just now, scorecard said:

Your priority is to build and protect democracy without corruption and without games across parties. 

[motdaeng]

without khun toni in the back she would not be a star of anything or anybody ... 🙂

[OneMoreFarang]

555

What would she be without that father and that family name?

[mokwit]

1 hour ago, OneMoreFarang said:

555

What would she be without that father and that family name?

Hotel manager? Anthropologist?.

[billd766]

3 hours ago, connda said:

Dynasties are a danger to democracy. 

In Thailand since 1932, the biggest danger to democracy has always been the military, and until a few generals are shot for treason they always will be.

 

You can say and think what you like, but both Thaksin and Yingluck were both freely and democratically elected, as opposed to the large number of military coups.

[billd766]

2 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

International Hotel Management???? Not a degree in politics? Just because she went with her father and was brainwashed she knows??

How did your degree in politics work out for you?

[hotchilli]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the dynamic youngest daughter of former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, is making waves in the nation’s political sector. As the current leader of the ruling Pheu Thai Party, she brings a combination of academic prowess and political lineage to the table.

Thaksins orders is all she brings.

Wait till Aunty comes home, things will change.

[daveAustin]

People have to get used to the Shin in Thai politics. They are here to stay, but at least this one is quite pretty. Certainly a step up from that general bloke. 

[scorecard]

1 hour ago, mokwit said:

Hotel manager? Anthropologist?.

Because she's got the degree doesn't mean an instant / good job.

[bradiston]

She'll never be her own woman, just her father's puppet. Unlike her aunt who had some balls.

[dinsdale]

The only reason this is a story is because the real rising star, Pita, was corruptly and frauduently denied his rightful place as PM and his Party was by the same token denied their right to be the governing party which the ovewhelming majority of Thais voted for. Democracy should never be used to describe the political system here.

[herfiehandbag]

5 hours ago, billd766 said:

How did your degree in politics work out for you?

Couldn't even get a job working in a hotel!

[drrobert]

The quality of reporting on ASEANNOW is really dropping off a cliff. It's as if the reporters have swallowed a dictionary and need to use as many words as possible. A lot of the reporting, in my opinion, is over the top, making news reports essentially out of thin air. 

[kingstonkid]

On 3/11/2024 at 11:13 AM, OneMoreFarang said:

555

What would she be without that father and that family name?

 A hot looking Thai girl with money LOL

 

The challenge is not her popularity it is going to be that of the circus or clown show call Pheu Thai.

[OneMoreFarang]

49 minutes ago, kingstonkid said:

A hot looking Thai girl

Really?

You must have a very special taste.

[Dolf]

On 3/11/2024 at 2:13 PM, OneMoreFarang said:

555

What would she be without that father and that family name?

A good looking Thai?

[Pouatchee]

Nepo baby if i ever saw one. only reason she is in is cos of daddyyy

[bob smith]

wasn't she the one the other night with the vulgar laugh at the ed sheeran concert?

 

bob.

[2baht]

19 minutes ago, bob smith said:

wasn't she the one the other night with the vulgar laugh at the ed sheeran concert?

 

bob.

Ed who??? 🤣

[bob smith]

1 minute ago, 2baht said:

Ed who??? 🤣

wheres stoner?