Paetongtarn Shinawatra Explained

Paetongtarn Shinawatra
Native Name Lang:th
Honorific-Suffix:RThBh
Order1:31st
Office1:Prime Minister of Thailand
Predecessor1:Phumtham Wechayachai (acting)
Monarch1:Vajiralongkorn
Term Start1:16 August 2024
Office2:Leader of the Pheu Thai Party
Predecessor2:Chusak Sirinil (acting)
Term Start2:27 October 2023
Birth Date:1986 8, df=y
Birth Place:Bangkok, Thailand
Father:Thaksin Shinawatra
Mother:Potjaman Na Pombejra
Relatives:Shinawatra family
Party:Pheu Thai
Children:2
Nickname:Ung Ing (Thai: อุ๊งอิ๊ง)
Signature:PaeThongthan Shinawatra.svg
Signature Alt:Cursive signature

Paetongtarn Shinawatra (Thai: แพทองธาร ชินวัตร; ; born 21 August 1986) is a Thai politician and businesswoman who has served as Prime Minister of Thailand since 16 August 2024 and as leader of the Pheu Thai Party since 2023. A member of the Shinawatra political family, she is the youngest daughter of Thaksin Shinawatra (prime minister from 2001 to 2006) and a niece of Yingluck Shinawatra (prime minister from 2011 to 2014). Paetongtarn became the youngest prime minister of Thailand and is the second woman to hold the position.

Early life and education

Paetongtarn was born on 21 August 1986 in Bangkok.[1] [2] She completed her junior secondary education at Saint Joseph Convent School and her upper secondary education at Mater Dei School. Paetongtarn studied at the Faculty of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University where she obtained a BA degree in Political Science in 2008, with a focus on Sociology and Anthropology. Paetongtarn then continued her studies in England, where she obtained an MSc degree in International Hotel Management from the University of Surrey.[3]

Business career

Paetongtarn is the largest shareholder of SC Asset Corporation and a director of the Thaicom Foundation, a benefactor of her family's wealth. As of 2022, she holds a total of 21 companies valued at approximately ฿68 billion (2 billion).[4]

Political career

At a meeting of the Pheu Thai Party on 20 March 2022, Paetongtarn was elected as "Head of the Pheu Thai Family".[5] When speaking at the Pheu Thai Party's annual general meeting in April 2022, she said that she wanted to see regime change in Thailand and wanted to gain more experience before standing for the post of the country's prime minister.[6] [7] [8]

Paetongtarn became the leading prime minister-candidate in the opinion polls. In April 2023, she was officially nominated as one of the three prime minister-candidates of Pheu Thai Party for the general election, along with Srettha Thavisin and Chaikasem Nitisiri.[9]

After the general election in May 2023, the Pheu Thai Party secured the second-highest number of seats in the House of Representatives, following the Move Forward Party. She expressed disappointment that the party did not achieve first place as planned but stated that she was ready to work with the Move Forward Party and other parties willing to form a coalition with both parties.[10] However, after Pheu Thai Party withdrew from the memorandum of understanding to form a government with the Move Forward Party, on 9 August, she and Pheu Thai Party executives walked from the OAI Tower, where the party's headquarters are located, to the neighboring Thai Summit Tower to discuss with the Move Forward Party leaders about endorsing a candidate for the third round of prime ministerial voting.[11] The following day, it was reported that Paetongtarn informed the Move Forward Party leaders that Pheu Thai Party needed to bring the Palang Pracharath Party, led by General Prawit Wongsuwan, into the coalition government.[12] This led to the Move Forward Party deciding, six days later, not to support Pheu Thai's prime ministerial candidate. Following weeks of debate, Srettha was elected prime minister by the parliament of Thailand.

On 13 September 2023, during the first meeting of the 63rd Thai Cabinet, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin ordered the establishment of the National Soft Power Strategy Committee and appointed Paetongtarn as the Deputy Chairperson.[13] Later, on 3 October, Srettha appointed her to two additional positions: Chairperson of the National Soft Power Development Committee[14] and a member of the Committee for the Organization of Celebrations for King Vajiralongkorn's 72nd Birthday Anniversary on 28 July 2024.[15] Subsequently, on 7 October, Srettha appointed her as the Deputy Chairperson of the National Health System Development Committee.[16]

On 27 October 2023, Paetongtarn was elected by the PTP's core members during a general assembly held at the party's head office to become the party's new leader, receiving 289 votes with one abstention.[17]

Prime Minister

Following the removal of Srettha as prime minister by the Constitutional Court of Thailand on 14 August 2024, Paetongtarn was nominated by Pheu Thai to succeed him.[18] Her nomination was approved by the House of Representatives on 16 August after no alternatives were named by the other parties in the ruling coalition,[19] [20] making her the youngest person and the second woman to become Prime Minister of Thailand.[21] [22] She was officially sworn in on 18 August following an endorsement from King Vajiralongkorn.[23]

Political positions

Social issues

Paetongtarn is socially liberal on many issues.[24] She supports LGBT rights and attended the Bangkok Pride Parade in 2023 along with the MFP's Pita Limjaroenrat. Additionally, she supports rewriting the constitution and scrapping military conscription. However, she opposes amending Thailand's lèse-majesté laws. Like her party, Paetongtarn supports stricter drug control and tough-on-crime measures.[25] [26]

Although Paetongtarn and the PTP pledged not to form a government with military-linked parties such as United Thai Nation and Palang Pracharath, the PTP-led government consisted of both parties which led to widespread criticism.[27] [28]

Economics

In a 2023 interview, Paetongtarn called herself a "socially liberal capitalist". Paetongtarn stated that her party and Srettha Thavisin wants to focus on bread-and-butter issues and improving the economy. She supports "capitalism with empathy" along with gradually raising the minimum wage and implementing a ฿10,000 'digital wallet' scheme.[29]

In May 2024, Paetongtarn told party members at an event held at Pheu Thai headquarters "The law that keeps the Bank of Thailand (BoT) independent from the government ... is a problem and a significant obstacle in fixing economic problems", referencing the decade-high interest-rate of 2.50% which Srettha Thavisin believes was hurting small businesses and hurting government efforts to jumpstart an economy he says is in crisis. Paetongtarn said BoT monetary policy "refuses to understand and cooperate" and would hamper efforts to reduce high levels of debt.[30]

Personal life

Paetongtarn's nickname is Ung Ing (Thai: อุ๊งอิ๊ง).[31] She is married to, a Thai businessman who is the Deputy Chief Investment Officer of Rende Development Co., Ltd., and a board member of the Thaicom Foundation.[32]

Pitak and Paethongtarn have one daughter, Thitara Suksawat,[33] who was born on 10 January 2021,[34] and one son, Phrutthasin Suksawat, who was born on 1 May 2023, ahead of the general election the same month.[35]

Royal decorations

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Chen . Heather . Olarn . Kocha . 9 April 2023 . A coup ousted her father. Now she's standing in Thailand's election . 20 August 2024 . CNN . en . 23 September 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230923115646/https://edition.cnn.com/2023/04/08/asia/paetongtarn-shinawatra-thaksin-daughter-thailand-election-intl-hnk/index.html . live .
  2. Campbell . Charlie . 18 April 2023 . Her Family Was Ousted From Power in Thailand. Now She Wants to Be Asia's Youngest-Ever Female Leader . 19 August 2024 . TIME . en . 19 August 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240819021247/https://time.com/6271855/thailand-paetongtarn-shinawatra-election-interview/ . live .
  3. Web site: matichon . 22 March 2022 . เปิดประวัติ อุ๊งอิ๊ง-แพทองธาร ทายาทชินวัตร หัวหน้าครอบครัวเพื่อไทย . 2 May 2022 . th . 1 November 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221101114119/https://www.matichon.co.th/politics/news_3245808 . live .
  4. News: เจาะขุมทรัพย์ อุ๊งอิ๊ง แพทองธาร ชินวัตร ทรัพย์สินอู้ฟู่ 6.8 หมื่นล้าน . thansettakij . 20 March 2022 . th-TH . 15 August 2024 . 16 August 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240816071416/https://www.thansettakij.com/insights/518077 . live .
  5. Web site: The Return of Shinawatra in Thai politics? . 29 April 2022 . Asia Media Centre New Zealand . 5 April 2022 . 30 May 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230530054052/https://www.asiamediacentre.org.nz/features/the-return-of-shinawatra-in-thai-politics/ . live .
  6. Web site: New 'Pheu Thai Family' head wants more experience before becoming PM . 29 April 2022 . www.thaipbsworld.com . en-US . 3 June 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230603141619/https://www.thaipbsworld.com/new-pheu-thai-family-head-wants-more-experience-before-becoming-pm/ . live .
  7. Web site: 21 March 2022 . New Shinawatra may lead the next quest for power as Pheu Thai aims for 14 million members . 29 April 2022 . Thai Examiner . en-GB . 3 June 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230603144322/https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2022/03/22/new-shinawatra-on-a-quest-for-people-power/ . live .
  8. News: Young Shinawatra appointed Pheu Thai chief adviser for innovation . Bangkok Post . 29 April 2022 . 16 August 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240816071416/https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/politics/2205667/young-shinawatra-appointed-pheu-thai-chief-adviser-for-innovation . live .
  9. Web site: Pheu Thai Party unveils its three prime ministerial candidates . 15 April 2023 . www.thaipbsworld.com . en-US . 3 June 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230603145436/https://www.thaipbsworld.com/pheu-thai-party-unveils-its-three-prime-ministerial-candidates/ . live .
  10. News: เพื่อไทย ยอมรับผิดหวัง เป็นรองก้าวไกล ยินดีโหวต 'พิธา' นายกฯ ให้ กก.บห.คุยดีลตั้ง รบ. (คลิป). . Matichon . 15 August 2024 . 25 May 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230525144343/https://www.matichon.co.th/politics/news_3981507 . live .
  11. News: "แพทองธาร" ยัน ก้าวไกล-เพื่อไทย ไม่มีปัญหากัน-"ภูมิธรรม" อุบตอบเรื่องกลับไปจับมือ (คลิป) . www.thairath.co.th . 9 August 2023 . th . 15 August 2024 . 16 August 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240816071421/https://www.thairath.co.th/news/politic/2716080 . live .
  12. News: เบื้องหลัง"อุ๊งอิ๊ง"ถกก้าวไกลแจ้งจำเป็นต้องพึ่งพรรค"ลุงป้อม"ตั้งรัฐบาล . thansettakij . 10 August 2023 . th-TH . 15 August 2024 . 11 January 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240111032041/https://www.thansettakij.com/thailand-elections/573098 . live .
  13. News: ตั้ง "อุ๊งอิ๊ง" นั่งรองประธานยุทธศาสตร์ซอฟต์เพาเวอร์ . mgronline.com . 13 September 2023 . th . 15 August 2024 . 3 October 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231003050926/https://mgronline.com/politics/detail/9660000082663 . live .
  14. News: แผนรัฐเคลื่อน ซอฟต์พาวเวอร์ 4 ล้านล้าน เปิด 'รีสกิล' 20 ล้านครัวเรือนต้นปี 67 . bangkokbiznews . 23 October 2023 . th . 15 August 2024 . 11 January 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240111031415/https://www.bangkokbiznews.com/business/economic/1094687 . live .
  15. News: สรุปข่าวการประชุมคณะรัฐมนตรี 3 ตุลาคม 2566 . Thai Gov Web News . 15 August 2024 . 10 October 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231010083913/https://www.thaigov.go.th/news/contents/details/72897 . live .
  16. News: นายกฯ เซ็นตั้งบอร์ดพัฒนาระบบสุขภาพแห่งชาติ ดึง "อุ๊งอิ๊ง" นั่งรองประธาน . mgronline.com . 8 October 2023 . th . 15 August 2024 . 7 January 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240107115340/https://mgronline.com/qol/detail/9660000090689 . live .
  17. News: Paetongtarn elected new Pheu Thai leader . 7 May 2024 . Bangkok Post . en . 16 August 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240816071436/https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/politics/2672956/paetongtarn-elected-new-pheu-thai-leader . live .
  18. News: Thailand's Pheu Thai party picks Paetongtarn Shinawatra as PM candidate . 15 August 2024 . France 24 . en.
  19. News: Paetongtarn Shinawatra elected Thailand's 31st prime minister. 16 August 2024. Bangkok Post. 18 August 2024. 17 August 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240817155740/https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/politics/2848292/paetongtarn-shinawatra-elected-thailands-31st-prime-minister. live.
  20. Web site: 16 August 2024 . Thai lawmakers elect Thaksin's daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra as PM . France 24 . 16 August 2024 . 16 August 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240816071017/https://www.france24.com/en/asia-pacific/20240816-thai-lawmakers-elect-thaksin-s-daughter-paetongtarn-shinawatra-as-pm . live .
  21. Web site: 16 August 2024 . Ex-PM's daughter picked as youngest ever Thai leader . BBC . 16 August 2024 . 16 August 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240816071420/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cd6yj26vz8yo . live .
  22. News: Paetongtarn Shinawatra becomes Thailand's youngest prime minister . CNBC . 16 August 2024 . en . 16 August 2024 . 16 August 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240816071413/https://www.cnbc.com/2024/08/16/paetongtarn-shinawatra-becomes-thailands-youngest-prime-minister.html . live .
  23. Web site: 18 August 2024 . Thailand's Paetongtarn Shinawatra sworn in as PM after royal sign-off . Al Jazeera . 18 August 2024 . 18 August 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240818081853/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/8/18/thailands-paetongtarn-shinawatra-sworn-in-as-pm-after-royal-sign-off . live .
  24. Web site: Paetongtarn Shinawatra: Thai heiress brings back divisive dynasty. But for how long? . 19 August 2024 . www.bbc.com . en-GB . 17 August 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240817015330/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cg79259ln81o . live .
  25. News: Pita promises same-sex marriage at 50,000-strong Pride parade . 7 May 2024 . Bangkok Post . en . 16 August 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240816071421/https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2585385/pita-promises-same-sex-marriage-at-50-000-strong-pride-parade . live .
  26. Web site: 30 April 2023 . Pheu Thai vows to restrict ganja, crackdown on stock manipulators . 7 May 2024 . nationthailand . en-US . 7 May 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240507073333/https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/politics/40027119 . live .
  27. พรรคนี้เป็นไงบ้าง? EP2 เพื่อไทย . en . 7 May 2024 . www.youtube.com . 18 August 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230818064138/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwX2wPzuIE8&feature=youtu.be . live .
  28. Web site: 7 May 2024 . 'แพทองธาร' ระบุเป็นต้นทุนที่ 'เพื่อไทย' ต้องจ่าย ปมจับมือกับพรรค 2 ลุง รับเหตุแลนด์สไลด์ไม่สำเร็จ ประชาไท Prachatai.com . 7 May 2024 . prachatai.com . th . 16 August 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240816071452/https://prachatai.com/journal/2023/08/105547 . live .
  29. พรรคนี้เป็นไงบ้าง? EP2 เพื่อไทย . en . 7 May 2024 . www.youtube.com . 18 August 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230818064138/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwX2wPzuIE8&feature=youtu.be . live .
  30. News: Paetongtarn: Central bank independence 'an obstacle' . 7 May 2024 . Bangkok Post . en . 16 August 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240816071939/https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/2786507/paetongtarn-central-bank-independence-an-obstacle . live .
  31. Web site: "อุ๊งอิ๊ง" แพทองธาร มองอย่างไรเรื่อง ม.112, กัญชา, ดิจิทัลวอลเล็ต. BBC News. th. 16 August 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240816082206/https://www.bbc.com/thai/articles/cj08zmr4342o. 16 August 2024. live.
  32. News: From commercial pilot to her key supporter: Meet Thai PM Paetongtarn's husband . The Straits Times . 17 August 2024 . en . 17 August 2024 . 17 August 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240817181406/https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/from-commercial-pilot-to-her-key-supporter-meet-thai-pm-paetongtarn-s-husband . live .
  33. Web site: "แพทองธาร" สุดปลื้ม คลอดลูกสาว น่ารักน่าชัง แล้ว ชื่อเล่น "น้องธิธาร" . 10 January 2021 . 16 August 2024 . 19 October 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211019053857/https://www.thairath.co.th/news/politic/2009769 . live .
  34. Web site: 10 January 2021 . "อุ๊งอิ๊งค์ แพทองธาร" คลอด "น้องธิธาร" ลูกคนแรกแล้ว "ทักษิณ" ปลื้มหลานหน้าเหมือน . www.sanook.com/news . th . 17 August 2024 . 27 August 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230827105614/https://www.sanook.com/news/8334482/ . live .
  35. Web site: "เลือกตั้ง 2566 : ครอบครัวชินวัตรได้ข่าวดี "อุ๊งอิ๊งค์" คลอดลูกชาย คนที่ 2 . May 2023 . 16 August 2024 . 29 February 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240229114916/https://www.pptvhd36.com/news/%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A3%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%B7%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%87/195388 . live .
  36. ราชกิจจานุเบกษา, ประกาศสำนักนายกรัฐมนตรี เรื่อง พระราชทานเครื่องราชอิสริยาภรณ์อันเป็นที่สรรเสริญยิ่งดิเรกคุณาภรณ์ ประจำปี ๒๕๔๘, เล่ม ๑๒๒ ตอนที่ ๒๒ ข หน้า ๘, ๓ ธันวาคม ๒๕๔๘

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