BANGKOK – As Thailand welcomes Paetongtarn Shinawatra, its youngest prime minister, the nation anticipates a blend of continuity and change. Stepping into the political legacy of her father, Thaksin Shinawatra, Paetongtarn inherits a complex tapestry of economic challenges and political expectations. Her inaugural address to Parliament outlined a vision deeply rooted in addressing Thailand’s immediate economic woes, a legacy of the COVID-19 pandemic that has left the tourism-dependent economy in a precarious state. With public debt exceeding 60% of GDP and household debt soaring past 90%, the urgency of economic revitalization is palpable.
Paetongtarn’s policy blueprint is ambitious, aiming to boost international trade and support start-up businesses, which are seen as vital cogs in the wheel of economic recovery. Investment in transport infrastructure is slated to receive a significant boost, potentially easing Thailand’s logistical bottlenecks and laying the groundwork for long-term growth. Improving agricultural production remains a priority, a nod to Thailand’s rural electorate and the sector’s foundational role in the economy. Empowering local government and increasing access to land ownership are also on the agenda, signaling a commitment to decentralization and equitable growth.
The new prime minister’s political acumen will be tested as she navigates the intricate dynamics of a coalition government that includes factions traditionally opposed to her family’s political influence. Her approach to governance, characterized by an openness to all ideas and a call for collaborative effort, suggests a leadership style that is inclusive and consultative. This stance is particularly poignant given Thailand’s history of political volatility, with parties linked to the Shinawatra family having faced repeated upheavals from military coups and judicial interventions.
In the international arena, Paetongtarn’s premiership is expected to continue Thailand’s active engagement, with an emphasis on strengthening trade ties and asserting the nation’s role on the global stage. Domestically, her promise to tackle income inequality, promote LGBTQ+ rights, and root out corruption speaks to a progressive agenda that aligns with the aspirations of a younger, more globally aware electorate.
As Paetongtarn Shinawatra steps out from the shadow of her father’s legacy, her challenge will be to forge a path that honors the past while boldly addressing the future. Her success will hinge on her ability to balance the weight of expectation with the pragmatism required to steer Thailand through its current economic and social challenges. (hz)
Photo: Paetongtarn Shinawatra with her father, Thaksin Shinawatra, a former prime minister of Thailand.