Thailand has officially welcomed Paetongtarn Shinawatra as its new prime minister, concluding a period of intense political uncertainty. On Friday, Paetongtarn, daughter of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, took the oath of office in a private ceremony with King Maha Vajiralongkorn at 6:15 pm (local time).
At 38 years old, she now holds the distinction of being Thailand’s youngest prime minister. After the ceremony, Paetongtarn briefly greeted the press before departing Government House.
During a televised address, the king extended his congratulations to the new cabinet, expressing confidence in their ability to lead the nation with distinction and dedication.
(FILES) Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, known by her nickname “Ung Ing” and daughter of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, speaks during a press conference after the royal endorsement ceremony appointing her as the new prime minister of Thailand, in Bangkok on August 18, 2024.(Photo by Chanakarn LAOSARAKHAM / AFP)
Thailand’s incoming deputy transport minister and Pheu Thai Party member Manaporn Charoensri arrives at Government House in Bangkok on September 6, 2024, ahead of the new cabinet’s royal oath-taking ceremony. (Photo by Lillian SUWANRUMPHA / AFP)
Thailand’s incoming minister of higher education, science, research, and innovation (MHESI) and member of the Bhumjaithai Party Supamas Isarabhakdi arrives at Government House in Bangkok on September 6, 2024, ahead of the new cabinet’s royal oath-taking ceremony. (Photo by Lillian SUWANRUMPHA / AFP)
Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Puea Thai Party member Phumtham Wechayachai gestures as he arrives at Government House in Bangkok on September 6, 2024, ahead of the new cabinet’s royal oath-taking ceremony. (Photo by Lillian SUWANRUMPHA / AFP)
Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister, Interior Minister and Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul (L) and incoming labour minister and Bhumjaithai Party member Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn (R) arrive at Government House in Bangkok on September 6, 2024, ahead of the new cabinet’s royal oath-taking ceremony. (Photo by Lillian SUWANRUMPHA / AFP)
Paetongtarn Shinawatra has officially stepped in as Thailand’s new prime minister, replacing Srettha Thavisin, a fellow member of the Pheu Thai Party. Srettha was removed from office in mid-August after the Constitutional Court dismissed him over the controversial appointment of a cabinet minister with a criminal record.
Paetongtarn’s new 36-member cabinet includes a historic number of women, with eight female ministers, marking a significant milestone for the country, as noted by Thai PBS.
Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, known by her nickname “Ung Ing” and daughter of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, poses with her son Thasin as she arrives at the Shinawatra Tower in Bangkok on September 4, 2024. (Photo by Manan VATSYAYANA / AFP)
