Paetongtarn Shinawatra Elected Thailand's Youngest Prime Minister

Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been elected as Thailand's youngest prime minister at 37 years old, following the ousting of her predecessor Srettha Thavisin by the Constitutional Court. Her election marks the third time a member of the Shinawatra family has held the premiership, with her father, Thaksin Shinawatra, being a significant political figure who remains influential behind the scenes. Paetongtarn received 319 votes in her favor, despite concerns about her political inexperience and the potential overshadowing influence of her father. Analysts suggest that her rise reflects ongoing struggles between Thailand's military establishment and populist factions linked to the Shinawatra family. Facing immediate challenges such as a faltering economy and coalition politics, her leadership will be closely observed. In her first comments as prime minister, she expressed a commitment to moving the country forward amidst confusion over her predecessor's dismissal.