Paetongtarn Shinawatra Elected as Thailand’s New Prime Minister
On August 16, Thailand’s Parliament voted for Paetongtarn Shinawatra to become the country’s 31st Prime Minister. Paetongtarn, 37, is the daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. She will succeed Srettha Thavisin, who was removed from office by the constitutional court on August 14 due to an ethics case.
Paetongtarn is the fourth member of the Shinawatra family to become Thailand’s prime minister, following Thaksin Shinawatra, Somchai Wongsawat, and Yingluck Shinawatra. The Pheu Thai Party leader received 319 votes in favor, 145 against, and 27 abstentions.
Srettha Thavisin, a real estate mogul, was ousted by the court for breaching the constitution by appointing a minister who did not meet ethical standards. His dismissal has led to increased uncertainty in Thailand, a country with a history of coups and judicial decisions that have repeatedly changed its leadership.
Just last week, the same court dissolved the anti-establishment Move Forward Party (MFP), ruling that its efforts to reform a law against insulting the monarchy threatened the constitutional monarchy. The MFP reformed under a new name on Friday.
Paetongtarn helped run the hotel arm of her family’s business empire before entering politics three years ago. She was a near-constant presence on the campaign trail in the 2023 elections, giving birth just two weeks before polling day.
Doubts Revealed
Paetongtarn Shinawatra -: Paetongtarn Shinawatra is a person who has just become the new Prime Minister of Thailand. She is the daughter of a former Prime Minister named Thaksin Shinawatra.
Prime Minister -: A Prime Minister is the leader of a country’s government. They make important decisions and help run the country.
Thaksin Shinawatra -: Thaksin Shinawatra is a person who used to be the Prime Minister of Thailand. He is also the father of Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
Thailand -: Thailand is a country in Asia. It is known for its beautiful beaches, temples, and delicious food.
Srettha Thavisin -: Srettha Thavisin was the Prime Minister of Thailand before Paetongtarn Shinawatra. He was removed from his position by a special court.
Constitutional court -: A constitutional court is a special court that makes sure the laws and actions of the government follow the country’s constitution, which is like a big rule book.
Shinawatra family -: The Shinawatra family is a well-known family in Thailand. Several members of this family have been Prime Ministers of Thailand.
Pheu Thai Party -: The Pheu Thai Party is a political group in Thailand. They help choose leaders and make decisions for the country.
Political turmoil -: Political turmoil means a time when there is a lot of confusion and fighting about who should be in charge of the government.
Judicial decisions -: Judicial decisions are choices made by judges in courts. These decisions can change who is in charge of the government.
