Paetongtarn Shinawatra Becomes Thailand’s Youngest Prime Minister Amid Political Turbulence

Paetongtarn Shinawatra, daughter of ex-leader Thaksin Shinawatra, becomes Thailand's prime minister, marking her as the nation's second female and youngest leader at 37. Her leadership faces challenges due to her father's controversial political influence and recent turmoil following the removal of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin.

In a significant political development, Thailand's Parliament elected Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the youngest daughter of former leader Thaksin Shinawatra, as the country's new prime minister on Friday.

Paetongtarn's election makes her Thailand's third leader from the Shinawatra family, succeeding her father and aunt, Yingluck Shinawatra. At 37, she is also the nation's second female prime minister. This move follows the recent ousting of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin by the Constitutional Court over ethics violations.

Thaksin Shinawatra, her father, remains a divisive figure in Thai politics due to his popularity and influence within the ruling Pheu Thai party. Despite political and ethical controversies, Paetongtarn's direct connection to her father might strengthen party unity in an 11-party coalition government.

(With inputs from agencies.)