Paetongtarn Shinawatra facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Paetongtarn Shinawatra
RThBh
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แพทองธาร ชินวัตร
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Paetongtarn in 2023
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| 31st Prime Minister of Thailand | |
| Assumed office 16 August 2024 |
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| Monarch | Vajiralongkorn |
| Deputy |
See list
Phumtham Wechayachai
Suriya Juangroongruangkit Anutin Charnvirakul Pirapan Salirathavibhaga Pichai Chunhavajira Prasert Jantararuangtong |
| Preceded by | Phumtham Wechayachai (acting) |
| Leader of the Pheu Thai Party | |
| Assumed office 27 October 2023 |
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| Preceded by | Chusak Sirinil (acting) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 21 August 1986 Bangkok, Thailand |
| Political party | Pheu Thai |
| Spouse |
Pitaka Suksawat
(m. 2019) |
| Children | 2 |
| Parents |
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| Relatives | Shinawatra family |
| Education |
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| Occupation |
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| Signature | .svg) |
| Nickname | Ung Ing (อุ๊งอิ๊ง) |
Paetongtarn Shinawatra (born August 21, 1986) is a Thai politician and businesswoman. She became the 31st prime minister of Thailand on August 16, 2024. She has also been the leader of the Pheu Thai Party since 2023.
Paetongtarn is part of the important Shinawatra family. Her father, Thaksin Shinawatra, was prime minister from 2001 to 2006. Her aunt, Yingluck Shinawatra, was prime minister from 2011 to 2014. Paetongtarn is the youngest prime minister in Thailand's history. She is also the second woman to hold this high position, after her aunt.
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Early Life and School
Paetongtarn was born in Bangkok, Thailand, on August 21, 1986. She went to Saint Joseph Convent School for her junior high education. She then attended Mater Dei School for high school.
She studied at Chulalongkorn University and earned a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in political science in 2008. Her studies focused on how societies work and human cultures. After that, Paetongtarn went to England. She earned a master's degree (MSc) in International Hotel Management from the University of Surrey.
Business Work
Paetongtarn is a major shareholder in SC Asset Corporation. This is a company that manages property. She is also a director of the Thaicom Foundation. This foundation is supported by her family's wealth. In 2022, she was involved with 21 companies. These companies were valued at about 68 billion Thai Baht.
Political Journey
Paetongtarn began her political journey with the Pheu Thai Party. On March 20, 2022, she was chosen as the "Head of the Pheu Thai Family." In April 2022, she spoke at a party meeting. She shared her wish for changes in Thailand. She also said she wanted more experience before becoming prime minister.
She quickly became a top choice for prime minister in public polls. In April 2023, she was officially named one of three candidates. These candidates were from the Pheu Thai Party for the 2023 Thai general election.
After the May 2023 election, her party won the second-highest number of seats. She was disappointed they did not win first place. However, she was ready to work with other parties. She was appointed to several important committees. These included the National Soft Power Strategy Committee. She became its Deputy Chairperson in September 2023.
On October 27, 2023, Paetongtarn was elected the new leader of the Pheu Thai Party. This happened during a meeting at the party's main office. She received many votes from the party's core members.
Becoming Prime Minister
On August 14, 2024, the previous prime minister was removed from office. Paetongtarn was then nominated by her party to take his place. The House of Representatives approved her nomination on August 16. This made her the youngest person and the second woman to become Prime Minister of Thailand.
She officially took her oath of office on August 18. This was after King Vajiralongkorn approved her. Her new government cabinet was sworn in on September 6.
In January 2025, Paetongtarn shared an interesting story. She said she almost fell for a scam. The scam used a voice that sounded exactly like another world leader. The caller was asking for money.
Political Ideas
Social Topics
Paetongtarn has modern views on many social issues. She supports LGBT rights. She even attended the Bangkok Pride Parade in 2023. She also supports changing the country's constitution. She wants to end the rule that makes military service required. However, she does not support changing the laws about insulting the royal family. Like her party, she wants strict rules against drugs. She also supports tough measures to fight crime.
Economic Ideas
In an interview in 2023, Paetongtarn described her economic views. She called herself a "socially liberal capitalist." This means she believes in a free market but also cares about people's well-being. She said her party wants to focus on everyday economic issues. They want to make the economy better for everyone. She supports "capitalism with empathy." This means businesses should also consider people's feelings and needs.
She also supports slowly increasing the minimum wage. She wants to start a program to give people 10,000 Thai Baht in a digital wallet. In May 2024, Paetongtarn spoke to her party members. She said that the law keeping the Bank of Thailand independent was a problem. She felt it made it harder to fix economic issues. She believed the Bank of Thailand's policies were not helping to reduce high levels of debt.
Personal Life
Paetongtarn's nickname is Ung Ing. Sometimes it is shortened to Ing. She is married to Pitaka Suksawat. He is a Thai businessman. He works as the Deputy Chief Investment Officer for a company. He is also on the board of the Thaicom Foundation.
Pitak and Paetongtarn have two children. Their daughter, Thitara Suksawat, was born on January 10, 2021. Their son, Phrutthasin Suksawat, was born on May 1, 2023.
In her 2024 asset declaration, she shared her belongings. She has 217 luxury handbags and 75 luxury watches. Their total value is over $400 million USD.
Royal Decorations
Thailand
2005 – The Most Admirable Order of the Direkgunabhorn, 6th Class, Gold Medal (G.M.T.)
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See also
In Spanish: Paethongtarn Shinawatra para niños
