| Early life and education Paetongtarn was born on 21 August 1986 in Bangkok. She completed her junior secondary education at Saint Joseph Convent School and her upper secondary education at Mater Dei School. Paetongtarn studied at the Faculty of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University where she obtained a BA degree in Political Science in 2008, majoring on Sociology and Anthropology. Paetongtarn then continued her studies in England, where she obtained an MSc degree in International Hotel Management from the University of Surrey.
Economic, Political, and Social positions
From her recent comments, it seems that Paetongtarn is set to continue with the economic agenda of the short-lived Srettha administration. The one question concerning the fate of Srettha’s ฿ 450 billion (US$ 12.5 billion) “digital wallet†stimulus program remains.
There have been reports that Thaksin, the primary powerbroker behind the Pheu Thai Party (PTP), had counseled the abandonment of the costly policy, which will see around 45 million Thai citizens receive payments of ฿ 10,000 (US$ 277).
Paetongtarn denied that she is preparing to abandon the stimulus, claiming that her father had advised her to seek more opinions on the controversial scheme. “The digital wallet scheme is a project we intend to use as a major economic stimulus,†Paetongtarn said. She added that her father had no authority over her government. Yet I may seek his advice depending on his expertise.
The perception that Thaksin is pulling strings behind the government's back is common knowledge, constituting a potential liability for Paetongtarn.
Paetongtarn is socially liberal on many issues. She supports LGBT rights and attended the Bangkok Pride Parade in 2023. Additionally, she supports rewriting the constitution and scrapping military conscription. However, she opposes amending Thailand's lèse-majesté laws. Like her party, Paetongtarn supports stricter drug control and tough-on-crime measures.
PM Paetongtarn pressured over Thaksin's alleged hospital fake-out.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is in a precarious position. Her political career hanging in the balance due to legal issues surrounding her father, Thaksin Shinawatra. On 18 September 2024, the complication arises from allegations that Thaksin, the influential figure behind the Pheu Thai party, faked a critical illness to avoid jail time by staying at the Police Hospital in Bangkok.
Unveiled a new bill to regulate cannabis (marijuana) while keeping it legal, comes from PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
Lawyer Warns Entire Paetongtarn Cabinet Could Face Impeachment
The warning was issued in a Facebook post by a former assistant to Palang Pracharath leader Prawit Wongsuwan. The complaint alleges that the policy statement delivered in Parliament by PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra on September 12 contravened Article 162 of the Constitution by failing to specify the sources of revenue to cover the proposed expenses.
No doubt who's behind it. Prawit and co. are looking for any clause to bring down the government. The Ombudsman has a 60-day window to file a petition to Thailand's Constitutional Court, should this remain unresolved.
PM Appoints Pol. Gen. Kittirat Phanphet as Acting Chief of Police Effective 1 October 2024.
Pol. Gen. Kittirat will assume his duties as acting Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police effective from 1 October 2024, stepping in to maintain stability and continuity in the leadership of the police force.
Surachate Hakparn (Big Joke) and Kittirat have long been competing for the top job. Is this the end of the police career for Big Joke?
Thailand’s Business Ease Ranking Plummeted in Asia-Pacific
Among 13 economies evaluated in 2023, Thailand’s score dwindled to 12th place, just above Vietnam. In the realm of market development, Thailand showed some strength in payment. Overall, Thailand's decline poses a troubling sign for its economic landscape and indicates potential challenges for businesses looking to enter or expand in the region.
Thaksin Mediates for Paetongtarn Amid Potential PM Suspension
Thaksin Shinawatra has reportedly engaged in secret discussions with influential figures, aiming to prevent his daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, from facing suspension as Thailand's Prime Minister.
This development follows a comprehensive lawsuit against Thaksin and his Pheu Thai Party, which is currently the largest ruling party in Thailand.
The highly confidential negotiations seek to secure that Paetongtarn remains in power ahead of a crucial Constitutional Court verdict expected soon.
The urgency stems from the potential fallout from the Constitutional Court, which may accept a lawsuit alleging Thaksin's undue influence over the party.
PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed relief on Friday, 22 November 2024, following the Constitutional Court's dismissal of a petition targeting her party and her father, Thaksin Shinawatra.
Thaksin Shinawatra Covered His Entire 6-Month Hospital Cost
It was reported that former Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra, who returned home after 15 years in self-imposed exile, footed the whole hospital bill for his six-month stay at the Police General Hospital amid allegations of privileged treatment.
Thaksin Took Direct Action to Push For Controversial Projects Despite Opposition
Thaksin Shinawatra has taken direct action to drive a range of ambitious projects, including legalizing gambling as "entertainment complexes" on Koh Kood (Cambodia) and opening real estate markets to foreigners through a 99-year land lease policy, amidst significant public opposition.
Prominent academic Dr. Wanwichit Boonprong suggests Thaksin's direct involvement is necessary because public confidence in Pheu Thai's leadership under Paetongtarn Shinawatra is lacking.
NACC Launched Inquiry into Thaksin’s Alleged Hospital Fake-out
Thailand's National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has announced the formation of a special committee to investigate accusations that several government officials facilitated a scheme for Thaksin Shinawatra to feign serious illness, enabling him to reside at the Police Hospital rather than in a conventional prison. This scrutiny comes amidst broader concerns about potential abuses of power and misconduct by officials.
Thai PM Urged to Attend Senate Meetings or Face Potential Censure
Members of the Senate have advised Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to attend their meetings regularly, as continued absences could lead to a censure debate. The senators have expressed frustration over the PM’s tendency to bypass inquiries by not appearing in person nor delegating a representative from her cabinet to respond on her behalf.
Thai Medical Council Probes Ex-PM Thaksin's Extended Hospital Stay
The Medical Council of Thailand is scrutinizing Police General Hospital over former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's prolonged stay post-conviction, sparking questions about potential preferential treatment. A special sub-committee, led by former council president Dr Amorn Leelarasamee, is digging into the conduct of medical professionals involved in his care, inspecting whether ethical guidelines were compromised.
The council sent a letter to the hospital’s director-general demanding comprehensive information including all medical records, the identities of doctors involved, and their assessments during the six-month hospitalization of Thaksin’s illness and the reasoning behind his extended hospital stay. The deadline for providing this information is January 15th, 2025.
P.M.'s assets are worth over ฿13.3 billion, with luxury holdings and family loans
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has released Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's asset declarations, revealing her wealth worth over ฿13.3 billion. The report sums up her extensive assets, liabilities, and lifestyle choices, providing a detailed insight into the financial background of Thailand's leader.
According to the declaration, Paetongtarn's total assets amount to ฿13,993,826,903. Of this, ฿13,846,208,451 belongs to her personally, while ฿147,118,452 is attributed to her husband, Pitak Sukhsawas, and ฿500,000 to their minor child. In addition, the prime minister has reported debts totaling more than ฿4.4 billion.
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To be continued…
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