Paetongtarn makes history to become youngest PM of Thailand

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.

Last-minute meeting

Chaikasem’s ethical issues reportedly stemmed from his time as Attorney General, during which he allegedly used his discretion to order the non-prosecution of Pichit Chuenban, who was accused of bribing court administrative officers in a case involving Thaksin and his wife.

The Pheu Thai Party later addressed the issue, insisting that Chaikasem is in good health and has been actively working for the party. Moreover, the Office of the Attorney General issued an official statement clarifying that Chaikasem was not involved in Pichit’s case.

Members of the coalition government parties held a last-minute meeting yesterday, August 15, to discuss the selection of the PM and ultimately confirmed that they would collectively propose the 37 year old Paetongtarn, the leader of the Pheu Thai family, as the new PM of Thailand.

Following the internal meeting, each leader of the coalition government parties publicly affirmed their support for the sole candidate they would propose during the parliament session.

Move Forward Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut also came forward to emphasise his party’s stance, stating that they would not give their votes to any candidates from the Pheu Thai Party.

31st PM of Thailand

During today’s session, the Secretary-General of the Pheu Thai Party, Suriya Juangroongruangkit, formally proposed the United States-born Paetongtarn as the PM, with no other parties nominating a candidate.

Paetongtarn was thus the sole candidate for the PM position, though she did not attend the meeting in person. Instead, she monitored the PM selection process from the Voice TV building, as parliamentary rules do not require the new PM to present their vision during the session.

The PM selection concluded in this afternoon and Paetongtarn was officially declared the new PM of Thailand. She received 319 votes from members of the coalition government parties, while 145 MPs voted against her and 27 abstentions were reported.

Chalerm Yubamrung, the party-list MP of the Pheu Thai Party, did not attend the parliamentary session. His abstention is suspected to be related to an internal conflict that made headlines a few months ago.

The leader of the Palang Pracharath Party, Prawit Wongsuwon, also did not attend the PM selection, citing an important meeting with Olympic athletes.

On the opposition side, 124 MPs from the People’s Party (formerly the Move Forward Party) voted against Paetongtarn, while 25 MPs from the Democrat Party chose to abstain. Six MPs from another opposition party, Thai Sang Thai, supported Paetongtarn.

Following the vote, the President of the House of Representatives, Wan Muhammad Noor Matha, will submit the result of the PM selection for royal endorsement.