Paetongtarn Shinawatra Becomes Thailand's Youngest Prime Minister

Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been formally endorsed as Thailand's youngest prime minister following her election by parliament, succeeding Srettha Thavisin who was dismissed by the Constitutional Court. At 37, she represents the powerful Shinawatra family, being the daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin and niece to Yingluck, the first female prime minister of Thailand. During her endorsement ceremony, she expressed her intent to work collaboratively to address the country’s sluggish economy and continue existing government policies, including a major economic stimulus and reforms in healthcare and digital initiatives. Paetongtarn's rise comes amid political turmoil, with the disbanding of the main opposition party and ongoing challenges to her party's support. King Maha Vajiralongkorn's formal endorsement paves the way for her cabinet formation, while her father, Thaksin, has encouraged her to work hard and seek help from others. Global leaders, including India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have extended their congratulations, highlighting the importance of bilateral ties.