Paetongtarn Shinawatra Elected as Thailand's 31st Prime Minister

[webfact]

Leader of Pheu Thai Party, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, daughter of Thailand's former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, talks to reporters during a press conference in Bangkok, Thailand, Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

 

Paetongtarn Shinawatra, 37, was elected as Thailand's 31st Prime Minister on Friday, gaining majority support from the House of Representatives. She becomes the country's youngest and second female leader.

 

The House approved Ms. Paetongtarn with 319 votes in favor, 145 against, 27 abstentions, and 2 non-votes. As the daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, she brings a blend of political legacy and business expertise to the role. She holds degrees from Chulalongkorn University and the University of Surrey in the UK and has served as CEO of Rende Development, managing hotel and golf course enterprises.

 

Her rise follows the Constitutional Court's decision on Wednesday to oust her predecessor, Srettha Thavisin, for ethics violations related to a Cabinet appointment. The new Pheu Thai-led government faces immediate challenges, including economic recovery and the future of the controversial Digital Wallet project.

 

Coalition dynamics are expected to remain largely stable, with potential minor adjustments in Cabinet positions. Paetongtarn previously held leadership roles in national soft power and mental health committees under the Srettha administration.

 

Economic stability and the Digital Wallet project, a contentious initiative aimed at transforming the local economy, are expected to be top priorities for Paetongtarn's administration. The public remains divided on the project's feasibility and impact, making it a critical issue during her tenure.

 

Beyond economic policies, Paetongtarn is likely to focus on strengthening Thailand's international relations and enhancing domestic welfare programs. Her combination of youth and experience offers a dynamic leadership profile that many hope will effectively address Thailand's pressing challenges.

 

As Thailand enters this new chapter, all eyes will be on Paetongtarn Shinawatra and her Cabinet to deliver on their promises and guide the nation toward a brighter future.

 

 

-- 2024-08-16

 

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[webfact]

Paetongtarn makes history to become youngest PM of Thailand
by Petch Petpailin 

 

Photo by Wason Wanichakorn via AP

In a stunning political shake-up, Paetongtarn “Aung Aing” Shinawatra is the new Prime Minister of Thailand, following in the illustrious footsteps of her father, former PM Thaksin Shinawatra. Making waves as both the youngest and second female prime minister in Thai history, Paetongtarn is already grabbing headlines and stirring excitement across the nation.

 

The House of Representatives held a special parliamentary meeting today, August 16, at 10am, to select the new PM of Thailand after the Constitutional Court removed former PM Srettha Thavisin from his position over a serious violation of political ethics.

 

Following the vacancy in the PM’s office, there was much speculation about which politician would assume the role, with seven names from the five coalition government parties emerging as prominent candidates. These included: Paetongtarn and former advisor to the ex-PM Chaikasem Nitisiri from the Pheu Thai Party, Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul, Palang Pracharath Party leader Prawit Wongsuwon, Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party leader Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, former Democrat Party leader Jurin Laksanawisit, and the former PM Prayut Chan-o-cha.

 

Initially, Chaikasem was widely regarded as the frontrunner for the Pheu Thai Party’s prime ministerial nomination, having been put forward for the position in both 2019 and 2023. However, his candidacy was marred by controversy even before it was formally announced.

Critics raised concerns about his health, arguing that the Thai prime minister should be in peak physical condition—a point that was problematic for Chaikasem, who faced scrutiny over his health issues. Additionally, there were suggestions that Chaikasem might have faced disqualification on ethical grounds, similar to Srettha.

 

Source: The Thaiger 2024-08-16

 

-  Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information.

 

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[Crossy]

Madam, who is an authority on these things (yeah, right), says she will last 6 months.

 

You can almost see the strings! 

 

[MikeandDow]

hope she does not appoint the drug dealer

[mokwit]

I always admire self made people who achieve what they do with sheer ability, and without benefiting from nepotism.

[Artisi]

The world has been saved. 

[pokerface1]

8 minutes ago, Crossy said:

Madam, who is an authority on these things (yeah, right), says she will last 6 months.

 

You can almost see the strings! 

 

True enough!!  We all know how's pulling her strings 

Age doesn't matter so much when you have your  daddy to guide you. The headline tries to dismiss the obvious pretending to be ignorant.

[ikke1959]

I am wondering if it is allowed to pull the strings, as he is on parole... and that is not ended yet although he is already busy not to hide it.. 

[Crossy]

2 minutes ago, ikke1959 said:

I am wondering if it is allowed to pull the strings, as he is on parole... and that is not ended yet although he is already busy not to hide it.. 

 

I'm sure he has a gardener.

 

[Khyron]

The powers that be probably gave Sretta a certain amount of time to get foreign investment up in the country, that's why he was going around the world gladhanding any world leader who would give him the time of day. Unfortunately for him, it came to naught, and his time was up. We will see what the scion will do for the country, she didn't get her aunts looks though, more like her dad. Business leaders from the outside are a bit leery of investing alot, as the rules and government can change in an instant.

I am happy Anutin didn't get the nod, that would have not boded well for us.

 

[Henk Langeweg]

Hope for her that she likes Dubai ...

[Stocky]

Thaksin's latest sock puppet, but better than Anutin.

 

No doubt the powers that be think the lese majesty charge against Thaksin that's on ice is sufficient collateral to hold him in check.

 

But at least the 10k freebie lunacy will likely get shelved; though the military probably have their eyes on that money for subs and fighter jets. 

 

.

Edited August 16 by Stocky

[redwood1]

Mr Smiley was a dreadful PM but at least he had some business background...I think  Paetongtarn would be hard pressed to get a assistant managers job at 7-11....

[gargamon]

Anyone taking bets on when the military coup will be?

[Artisi]

29 minutes ago, Crossy said:

 

I'm sure he has a gardener.

 

A very rich one, same as his driver. 

[Artisi]

15 minutes ago, redwood1 said:

Mr Smiley was a dreadful PM but at least he had some business background...I think  Paetongtarn would be hard pressed to get a assistant managers job at 7-11....

Or even a job 

[Maestro]

21 minutes ago, Henk Langeweg said:

Hope for her that she likes Dubai ...

 

She's already getting measured for a stylish chador.

[bubblegum]

22 minutes ago, Henk Langeweg said:

Hope for her that she likes Dubai ...

Beat me to it.

[Will B Good]

 

 

This is crazy.

 

She hasn't done any interviews, she's got zero policies, she claims to be Chinese, but then suddenly she's Thai......what or who did she do to get this far?........why are people backing her, why is she suddenly so popular.....IT ISN'T FAIR.

 

Oh....wrong thread.

[dinsdale]

I was here when the army kicked daddy out. I was here when the army kicked aunty out. Will I get to see another one get booted out by the army in the future?

[Jim Blue]

Let the games commence !

[phetphet]

47 minutes ago, Stocky said:

But at least the 10k freebie lunacy will likely get shelved;

Only until just before the next election. 

[Stocky]

48 minutes ago, redwood1 said:

Mr Smiley was a dreadful PM but at least he had some business background...I think  Paetongtarn would be hard pressed to get a assistant managers job at 7-11....

But she's not expected to actually think or do anything, her dad's pulling the strings; and the shadowy forces that have no name are now pulling daddy's.

[Dario]

23 minutes ago, phetphet said:

Only until just before the next election. 

 

Gat shelved? Why?

[Dario]

1 hour ago, gargamon said:

Anyone taking bets on when the military coup will be?

 

It will not take long.

[scubascuba3]

1 hour ago, MalcolmB said:

Are there any  world leaders more attractive than her? 

She will get Trump aroused if he gets back in.

That's right, we know Trump likes soi cowboy 

[proton]

Going to be a few million peed of Thais if they take the 10k bribe promise away, especially as they just registered for it, and had plans what to buy. Better to have reduced it than promise it then scrap it.

[Ralf001]

2 minutes ago, proton said:

Going to be a few million peed of Thais if they take the 10k bribe promise away, especially as they just registered for it, and had plans what to buy. Better to have reduced it than promise it then scrap it.

 

I told the gik that with this 10k gift from the gumbyment I was cancel her daily stipend for 6 months... looks like I'll be back on the hook again.

[redwood1]

1 minute ago, proton said:

Going to be a few million peed of Thais if they take the 10k bribe promise away, especially as they just registered for it, and had plans what to buy. Better to have reduced it than promise it then scrap it.

 

Hey its a win win for the government........They got millions of peoples personal info who registered for the 10,000.....And if its scrapped they will not have to pay out one baht...

[BobBKK]

Nice of the PM to fall on his sword for Thasksin's daughter.