The Shinawatras have dominated Thailand’s political landscape for the last 20 years. If Paetongtarn is dismissed from her role, it would be the third instance for the Shinawatra family of an elected member being ousted before completing a full term.
Though suspended as Prime Minister, Paetongtarn will stay in government. On the day of the court’s ruling, she was named Minister of Culture. Once sworn in on July 3, she will be allowed to join Cabinet meetings in that role.
Paetongtarn’s father and former PM Thaksin Shinawatra is also facing a trial over a 2015 interview. In 2023, he returned to Thailand after his self-imposed exile for many years.
Paetongtarn, 38, now faces similar legal troubles, which could change the contours of the country’s politics. Her predecessor, Srettha Thavisin, was also dismissed by a court ruling, paving the way for Paetongtarn’s entry into Thailand’s government, according to Thailand media outlet, The Nation.
Prior to her political career, Paetongtarn worked and gained experience in her family’s business empire. She studied at Chulalongkorn University in Thailand. She also holds a degree from the University of Surrey in the UK.
Paetongtarn is Thailand’s youngest leader and only the second woman to serve as PM, following her aunt, Yingluck Shinawatra, the BBC report added.
