Bangkok, Thailand: Paetongtarn Shinawatra, daughter of billionaire Thaksin Shinawatra, has become Thailand's prime minister, marking the third member of the influential Shinawatra family to lead the country. At 37, Paetongtarn is the youngest person to hold this position in Thailand's constitutional monarchy and the second woman to become premier after her aunt, Yingluck Shinawatra. Her appointment follows recent court rulings that have caused political upheaval, including the ousting of the previous prime minister, Srettha Thavisin, due to a cabinet appointment controversy.

Paetongtarn's appointment comes amid a long-standing power struggle between the Thaksin-linked populist parties and Thailand's conservative, pro-military establishment. Despite her family’s controversial political history, Paetongtarn expressed optimism about improving the quality of life for Thais and moving the country forward. 

Her rise to power follows the dissolution of the progressive Move Forward Party and a series of legal and political challenges faced by her predecessors. Analysts suggest that Paetongtarn must navigate the political landscape carefully to avoid being perceived as overly influenced by her father. Additionally, she faces the significant challenge of revitalizing Thailand’s sluggish economy, which has struggled since the COVID-19 pandemic.