What did Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra say after becoming Thailand's youngest prime minister?

Ms. Paetongtarn at a press conference after her election

The Bangkok Post reported on August 16 that the Thai House of Representatives voted to approve the nomination of the Pheu Thai Party, choosing Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra as the country's 31st prime minister.

With 319 votes in favor, 145 votes against and 27 abstentions, the 38-year-old female politician became Thailand's youngest prime minister and the country's second female prime minister, after her aunt, former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.

With a total of 493 MPs, Ms. Paetongtarn only needs a minimum of 248 votes to be elected, while the Pheu Thai-led coalition has 314 seats in the lower house.

Speaking at a press conference after the vote, Ms Paetongtarn said her government would have a strong and experienced team who would strive for success.

She shared her joy and honor at being elected, and pledged to do her best for the country and the Pheu Thai Party.

"I really hope I can make people feel confident. I hope I can improve the quality of life and empower all Thais," she said, adding that her father, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, called to congratulate her after learning of the results.

Before the vote, Pheu Thai Party Secretary General Suriya Juangroongruangkit officially nominated Ms. Paetongtarn as prime minister, while no other party nominated a candidate, according to Thaiger .

Therefore, she is the only candidate for the prime minister's seat. She did not directly attend the vote but watched from a distance, as the regulations did not require her to attend.

Ms. Paetongtarn will replace former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who was dismissed on August 14. After the vote, House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha will present the results to the king for approval.

Born on August 21, 1986, Ms. Paetongtarn is the youngest child of Mr. Thaksin and Ms. Khunying Potjaman Damapong. She has a brother who is 6 years older, Mr. Oak-Panthongtae, and a sister who is 4 years older, Ms. Aim-Pintongta.

Ms. Paetongtarn has a BA in Sociology and Anthropology from Chulalongkorn University (Thailand) and a MA in International Hotel Management from the University of Surrey (UK).

After returning from the UK, she ran the family business, becoming the largest shareholder of SC Asset Group and a board member at Thaicom Foundation.

She also holds stakes in other companies, including Rosewood Bangkok Hotel, Thames Valley Khao Yai and The Sisters Nails & More.

Ms Paetongtarn married Mr Pidok Suksawat in 2019 and had a son, Phutchasin Suksawat, who was born on 1 May 2023, during the party's campaign and just before the general election on 14 May 2023.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/ba-paetongtarn-shinawatra-noi-gi-sau-khi-tro-thanh-thu-tuong-tre-nhat-cua-thai-lan-185240816145922425.htm