Paetongtarn Shinawatra facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Paetongtarn Shinawatra
RThBh
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แพทองธาร ชินวัตร
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Paetongtarn in 2025
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| 31st Prime Minister of Thailand | |
| In office 16 August 2024 – 29 August 2025 |
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| Monarch | Vajiralongkorn |
| Deputy |
See list
Phumtham Wechayachai
Suriya Juangroongruangkit Anutin Charnvirakul Pirapan Salirathavibhaga Pichai Chunhavajira Prasert Jantaruaruangtong |
| Preceded by | Phumtham Wechayachai (acting) |
| Succeeded by | Suriya Juangroongruangkit (acting) |
| Minister of Culture | |
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Caretaker
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| Assumed office 30 June 2025 |
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| Prime Minister | Herself Suriya Juangroongruangkit (acting) Phumtham Wechayachai (acting) |
| Preceded by | Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol |
| 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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| Signature | .svg) |
| Nickname | Ung Ing (อุ๊งอิ๊ง) |
Paetongtarn Shinawatra RThBh (born August 21, 1986), also known by her nickname Ung Ing, is a Thai politician. She has been the leader of the Pheu Thai Party since 2023. She also served as the 31st prime minister of Thailand from 2024 until her removal from office in August 2025.
Paetongtarn was the youngest person and the second woman to hold the prime minister position. She is a member of the Shinawatra family, which is well-known in Thai politics. Her father, Thaksin Shinawatra, and her aunt, Yingluck Shinawatra, were also prime ministers. She studied at Chulalongkorn University in Thailand and the University of Surrey in England. Before entering politics, she worked in business. Currently, she is the Minister of Culture.
On July 1, 2025, Paetongtarn was temporarily suspended from her duties by the Constitutional Court of Thailand. This happened after a private phone conversation between her and a former Cambodian leader became public. People raised questions about her leadership during a border issue. The deputy prime minister, Suriya Juangroongruangkit, then became Thailand's acting leader. On August 29, 2025, the Constitutional Court made a final decision, officially removing her from the prime minister's office.
Contents
Her Early Life and Education
Paetongtarn was born on August 21, 1986, in Bangkok, Thailand. She attended St. Joseph's Convent School for her junior secondary education. She then went to Mater Dei School for her upper secondary education.
She studied at the Faculty of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University. In 2008, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science. Her studies focused on sociology and anthropology. She continued her education in England at the University of Surrey. In 2009, she received a Master of Science degree in international hotel management.
Starting in Business
Before becoming a politician, Paetongtarn had a career in business. She is a major shareholder in SC Asset Corporation. This is a company that deals with property and investments. She also serves as a director for the Thaicom Foundation. This foundation supports various projects.
Entering Politics
Paetongtarn officially entered the political scene in 2022. On March 20, 2022, she was chosen as the "Head of the Pheu Thai Family" for the Pheu Thai Party. In April 2022, she spoke at the party's annual meeting. She shared her hopes for changes in Thailand. She also mentioned wanting more experience before becoming prime minister.
She quickly became a popular candidate in public opinion polls. In April 2023, she was officially named one of the three prime minister candidates. This was for the 2023 Thai general election.
After the election in May 2023, her party won the second-highest number of seats. She expressed her readiness to work with other parties. Later, on October 27, 2023, she was elected as the new leader of the Pheu Thai Party.
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. On August 16, the House of Representatives approved her nomination. This made her the youngest person and the second woman to become Prime Minister of Thailand. King Vajiralongkorn officially approved her appointment on August 18. Her cabinet was sworn in on September 6.
During her time as prime minister, her father, Thaksin Shinawatra, returned to Thailand. He is a well-known political figure. This led to some questions from other politicians. They asked if she was truly in charge of the government. However, she survived a vote to remove her and remained in her position.
Key Policies as Prime Minister
On September 12, 2024, Paetongtarn and her cabinet shared their plans with Parliament. They focused on ten main goals for Thailand. These included helping people with debt and supporting Thai businesses. They also aimed to lower energy costs and improve the economy.
Helping the Economy
Paetongtarn led the plan for a 10,000-baht Digital wallet scheme. This was a key promise from her party. The idea was to give money to many Thai citizens. This would help boost the country's economy.
The plan changed over time due to legal and financial concerns. It started by giving cash to state welfare cardholders and people with disabilities. Later, it included senior citizens. A plan to give digital money to young people was postponed. This was due to global economic challenges. Paetongtarn said the government was still committed to the idea.
Boosting Tourism
Paetongtarn saw tourism as very important for Thailand's economy. She worked to improve Thailand's image around the world. Her goal was to make the country a top travel spot all year. She also focused on making sure tourists were safe.
A big project was the "Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025." This campaign included many festivals and sports events. It aimed to attract more visitors. She set a goal to welcome 39 million tourists in 2025.
Connecting Trade Routes
Paetongtarn strongly supported the Southern Land Bridge project. This huge project aimed to build a 90-kilometer path across Thailand. It would connect two deep-sea ports with a motorway and railway. This new route would offer an alternative to a busy shipping lane.
She believed it would save shipping time and money. It was also expected to create many jobs. She traveled to other countries to encourage investment in this project.
Entertainment Complexes
Her government also worked on plans to allow large "entertainment complexes." These complexes would include hotels, shops, concert halls, and theme parks. The goal was to attract more visitors and create jobs. It was also hoped to bring in more money for the government.
The government approved a bill for these complexes in January 2025. It stated that any casino areas must be a small part of the total complex. Some groups had concerns about this plan. After her suspension, the bill was withdrawn in July 2025.
Working with Other Countries
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In February 2025, Paetongtarn took action regarding border areas in Myanmar. She ordered the suspension of electricity, internet, and fuel supplies. This was part of an effort to stop online scams and human trafficking. This decision was made after public demand for action.
During her trip to China in February 2025, she worked to strengthen ties between Thailand and China. She met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. They discussed cooperation in areas like electric vehicles and technology. Xi Jinping thanked her for Thailand's efforts against scam networks.
Border Discussions and a Public Conversation
In May 2025, there was a border clash between Thailand and Cambodia. Paetongtarn immediately asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to help calm the situation. She stated that Thailand wanted peace but was ready to protect its citizens. She also visited the border area to show support.
She tried to resolve the situation through personal discussions. She used her family's long-standing relationship with former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen. This led to a private phone call between them on June 15, 2025.
Phone Call Becomes Public
On June 18, 2025, a part of this private phone call was made public. Hun Sen later released the entire conversation. Paetongtarn confirmed that it was her speaking in the call.
In the conversation, Paetongtarn spoke to Hun Sen in a friendly way. She referred to him as "uncle" and herself as his "niece." She mentioned wanting peace at the border. She also said she would take care of things if he needed anything.
Many people in Thailand felt her comments were not strong enough. They believed it might affect the country's dignity. Some ministers from a partner party resigned. This led to protests and calls for her to step down. Paetongtarn said the call was a private negotiation strategy. She also said she would avoid such private discussions in the future.
Suspension and Removal from Office
On July 1, 2025, Thailand's Constitutional Court voted to suspend Paetongtarn from her duties. This decision came after 36 senators asked the court to investigate her. They accused her of not following ethical standards during the phone call. The court accepted the case and gave her time to respond.
Suriya Jungrungreangkit became the acting prime minister for a few days. Then Phumtham Wechayachai took over as acting prime minister. Phumtham later included Paetongtarn in his temporary cabinet as the culture minister. On August 29, 2025, the Constitutional Court made its final decision. The court ruled to officially remove Paetongtarn from the prime minister's office.
Her Ideas and Beliefs
Paetongtarn holds socially liberal views on many topics. She supports LGBT rights and attended the Bangkok Pride Parade in 2023. She also supports changing the constitution and ending military conscription. However, she does not support changing laws about disrespecting the monarchy. Like her party, she believes in strict drug control and tough measures against crime.
In economics, Paetongtarn has described herself as a "socially liberal capitalist." She and her party want to focus on everyday issues. They aim to improve the economy for everyone. She supports "capitalism with empathy." She also supports gradually increasing the minimum wage.
Personal Life
Paetongtarn's nickname is Ung Ing, sometimes shortened to Ing. She is married to Pitaka Suksawat. He is a Thai businessman.
Pitaka 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.
Awards and Recognition
Paetongtarn has received a royal decoration in Thailand.
- 2005 –
Gold Medal (Sixth Class) of the Most Admirable Order Direkgunabhorn
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See also
In Spanish: Paethongtarn Shinawatra para niños
