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Thailand’s political landscape has taken a significant turn with the election of Paetongtarn Shinawatra as the country's next prime minister. At just 37 years old, Paetongtarn, the daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, has become the fourth member of her family to hold this prestigious office.

 

This development comes after the recent removal of her predecessor, Srettha Thavisin, by Thailand’s constitutional court. The Parliament's vote on Friday saw Paetongtarn secure the position with the support of 319 MPs, while 145 voted against her and 27 abstained.

 

Her election as prime minister follows a period of political instability in Thailand, marked by Srettha’s dismissal due to an ethics violation. Srettha, a real estate mogul, was accused of appointing a minister who did not meet ethical standards, leading to his removal from office after less than a year.

 

His ousting is the latest in a series of legal and political challenges that have plagued Thailand’s leadership over the past two decades. Paetongtarn’s rise to power is deeply intertwined with the legacy of her family.

 

The Shinawatra family has been at the heart of Thailand’s political turmoil, with previous administrations led by Thaksin Shinawatra and his sister Yingluck Shinawatra being removed by military coups.

 

Thaksin, a billionaire tycoon, has been a polarising figure in Thai politics, with his return from 15 years of exile in 2023 coinciding with the ascent of Srettha to the prime ministership.

 

The political environment in Thailand remains charged, especially with the recent dissolution of the anti-establishment Move Forward Party (MFP), a popular opposition group that sought to reform laws against insulting the monarchy.

 

The dissolution, which was based on claims that the party’s efforts threatened the constitutional monarchy, has added to the uncertainty surrounding Thailand’s future.

 

Paetongtarn’s background is rooted in her family’s business empire, where she helped manage the hotel arm before entering politics three years ago. Despite her lack of elected office experience, she was a prominent figure on the campaign trail during the 2023 elections, even as she navigated the demands of being a new mother.