Thailand : King Maha Vajiralongkorn endorses PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra

BANGKOK – Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin, was endorsed on Sunday by King Maha Vajiralongkorn as head of the Thai government to usher in a new cabinet.

At 37, Paetongtarn became the youngest prime minister in the kingdom’s history, after the dismissal of her predecessor, Srettha Thavisin, from the opposition party. Moreover, she is the country’s second female prime minister, and the third member of the Shinawatra family to serve in this position after her father Thaksin (2001–2006) and her aunt Yingluck (2011–2014).

“As head of the executive branch, I will do my duty together with the legislators with an open heart,” she said. “I will listen to all opinions so together we can take the country forward with stability,” she added.

After being elected on Friday with a clear majority of deputies’ votes, Paetongtarn had recognised her lack of experience, yet had declared her readiness to meet the multiple challenges facing the country and enhance the quality of life for all Thais.

“The goal is to stimulate the economy, so this intention remains,” Paetongtarn said.