Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra

Paetongtarn Shinawatra, often referred to as Ung Ing, is a prominent Thai politician and businesswoman. Born in 1986, she is the daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, a figure who remains highly influential in Thai politics despite being in self-imposed exile. This lineage has undoubtedly shaped her career and political trajectory, instantly thrusting her into the spotlight.

Paetongtarn’s professional background is primarily in the hospitality and real estate sectors. Prior to entering politics, she held executive positions within the SC Asset Corporation, a property development company founded by her family. Her business acumen and understanding of Thailand’s economic landscape provided her with a foundation upon which to build her political ambitions.

Her formal foray into politics began in late 2021 when she became the chief advisor on participation and innovation for the Pheu Thai Party, the party closely associated with her father. This marked a significant shift, signaling a new generation of Shinawatra leadership. Her youth and modern outlook were perceived as a way to rejuvenate the party and appeal to a broader demographic, particularly younger voters.

In March 2023, Pheu Thai officially nominated Paetongtarn as one of their three prime ministerial candidates for the May 2023 general election. This cemented her position as a key figure within the party and a potential future leader of Thailand. Campaigning on populist policies and focusing on economic empowerment, particularly for younger generations and rural communities, she quickly gained traction. The Pheu Thai party’s platform emphasized issues such as increasing the minimum wage, stimulating economic growth, and addressing income inequality.

While Pheu Thai emerged as the largest party in the election, they initially faced challenges in forming a coalition government. Ultimately, Srettha Thavisin was chosen as Prime Minister in August 2023, a move that allowed Pheu Thai to lead the government formation. Although not Prime Minister herself, Paetongtarn’s influence within the party remains considerable.

Paetongtarn’s political career is still in its early stages, but she is widely seen as a rising star in Thai politics. Her connection to the Shinawatra family provides her with both significant advantages and disadvantages. She benefits from the enduring loyalty of Thaksin Shinawatra’s supporters, particularly in rural areas. However, she also faces scrutiny and opposition from those who view the Shinawatra family with skepticism due to past political events. Whether she can navigate these complexities and successfully lead Thailand in the future remains to be seen, but her presence has undoubtedly invigorated the political landscape and injected new energy into the Pheu Thai party.