Paetongtarn Shinawatra Makes History as Thailand's Youngest Prime Minister Amid Political Turmoil

Political newcomer Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been elected Thailand's youngest prime minister. Winning 51% of votes, she faces significant challenges, including economic struggles and a dwindling party popularity. She follows her father, Thaksin Shinawatra, and aunt, Yingluck Shinawatra, in the role. The political environment remains tense amid ongoing conflicts among Thailand's elites.

In a surprising turn of events, political newcomer Paetongtarn Shinawatra secured a parliamentary victory to become Thailand's youngest prime minister at just 37. Her appointment comes during an intense power struggle among Thailand's elites.

Paetongtarn, the daughter of controversial political figure Thaksin Shinawatra, crossed the 51% vote threshold a day after ally Srettha Thavisin was dismissed as premier by a judiciary central to the nation's ongoing political crises. She inherits a fragmented political landscape, struggling economy, and the Herculean task of restoring her party's dwindling popularity and fulfilling its ambitious cash handout promise.

The Shinawatra legacy looms large, with Paetongtarn becoming the second female prime minister and the third Shinawatra to hold the office, following her aunt Yingluck and father Thaksin. Her ascent is a critical test for the dynasty, as recent events have deepened divisions between populist forces and conservative factions.

(With inputs from agencies.)