The vote was prompted after the sacking of previous prime minister Srettha Thavisin earlier this week.
How did Paetongtarn Shinawatra become the new prime minister?
After less than a year in office, Thavisin was found guilty of an ethical breach after appointing Pichit Chuenban, a former lawyer, into the cabinet despite Chuenban’s imprisonment due to an alleged bribery attempt.
Srettha Thavisin was removed as prime minister following an ethical breach. Source: AP / Sakchai Lalit
Two days after the court removed Thavisin, the parliament voted to approve the Shinawatra — the sole nominee and leader of the Pheu Thai party — as the new prime minister.
“We were confident that under her leadership, we will all support her and be ready to carry out her policies from the day she assumes office,” Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, said during a press conference after the vote.
Who are the Shinawatras?
Thaksin Shinawatra and his youngest daughter, Paetongtarn, Thailand’s newest prime minister Source: AP / Sakchai Lalit
Known for their populist agendas, Thaksin was removed by a military coup and forced out of the country, while Yingluck and Wongsawat were removed from office by court rulings.
Thaksin, who has since returned to Thailand, was the first Thai politician to win a majority of seats in parliament. He has been widely referred to as the de facto leader of the Pheu Thai party and is said to be the force behind Paetongtarn’s rise to power.
What is Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s background?
Although she lacked political experience before leading an inclusion advisory committee for the Pheu Thai party in 2021, she became the party leader in 2023. She also rose to prominence due to being an ‘energetic campaigner’ while heavily pregnant.
Paetongtarn Shinawatra and her husband Pidok Sooksawas greet reporters at their party’s headquarters. Source: AP / Wason Wanichakorn
On the campaign trail, Paetongtarn said that although she acknowledges her family’s political power, she wants to step out of her father’s shadow.
The scheme has been criticised by some economists, who say it won’t be an effective way of managing the issue. There are also questions about how the government will ensure people don’t spend the digital cash payment on ‘restricted’ items like alcohol and gold.