In a closely watched and controversial election, Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been elected as Thailand's newest prime minister, succeeding her father and aunt to continue the political legacy of the Shinawatra family. Despite not being an elected lawmaker, the 37-year-old leader of the ruling Pheu Thai party received a majority of votes in Parliament, following the removal of the previous prime minister over an ethics violation. This election marks the third time a member of the Shinawatra family has held the country's highest office, amidst ongoing tensions and divisions within Thai politics.
Thailand: Paetongtarn Shinawatra Elected Prime Minister, Continuing Family's Political Legacy
Background:
The Shinawatra family has played a significant role in Thai politics for decades, with several family members serving as prime minister. The family's patriarch, Thaksin Shinawatra, was elected in 2001 and remains a polarizing figure. He was ousted in a military coup in 2006 and later convicted of corruption charges.
Thaksin's sister, Yingluck Shinawatra, became prime minister in 2011. Her government was also overthrown in a military coup in 2014, and she fled the country after being convicted of negligence.
Paetongtarn Shinawatra's Election:
In the latest developments, Thaksin's daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, has been elected as Thailand's new prime minister. The 37-year-old leader of the ruling Pheu Thai party received a majority of votes in Parliament, despite not being an elected lawmaker.
Her election follows the removal of the previous prime minister, Prayuth Chan-ocha, over an ethics violation. Chan-ocha was a general who led the coup in 2014 and had been in power for eight years.
Significance of the Election:
The election of Paetongtarn Shinawatra marks the third time a member of the Shinawatra family has held the country's highest office. It also represents a significant shift in the political landscape of Thailand, which has been marked by ongoing tensions and divisions between pro- and anti-Shinawatra forces.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers:
1. Who is Paetongtarn Shinawatra?
Paetongtarn is the daughter of Thaksin Shinawatra and the niece of Yingluck Shinawatra. She is a 37-year-old lawyer and politician who has not held an elected office before becoming prime minister.
2. How did Paetongtarn win the election?
She received a majority of votes in Parliament, despite not being an elected lawmaker. This was possible because the Pheu Thai party holds a majority of seats in the lower house of Parliament.
3. What is the significance of her election?
Her election marks the return of the Shinawatra family to power in Thailand and represents a significant shift in the political landscape of the country.
4. What are the challenges facing Paetongtarn?
She will face significant challenges, including economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, ongoing political divisions, and the legacy of her family's past rule.
5. What is the reaction to her election?
Her election has been met with mixed reactions. Supporters of the Shinawatra family see it as a return to democracy, while opponents fear a return to corruption and authoritarian rule.
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