National —
At 9:29 AM on August 18th, 2024, Thai national media reported that the Secretary-General of the House of Representatives Pol. SubLt. Apat Sukhanan presented a royal command at the Pheu Thai Party headquarters appointing Paetongtarn Shinawatra as Thailand’s 31st Prime Minister.
The royal decree was officially issued following a House vote on August 16th, where Paetongtarn secured the position by a majority, succeeding former PM Srettha Thavisin, who had served for just one year. The appointment was made in accordance with the Thai Constitution.
At 11:00 AM, new Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed her deep gratitude to the elected members of the House, coalition partners, and the Thai people for their trust. She pledged to perform her duties with utmost dedication, focusing on improving the nation’s economy, addressing drug problems, and expanding the 30-baht universal healthcare program.
Paetongtarn also reiterated her commitment to the Thailand Soft Power initiative and announced plans to provide a more detailed policy framework in September.
When questioned about the flagship 10,000-baht digital wallet initiative, Paetongtarn confirmed that the policy remains a priority for the Pheu Thai Party, aimed at a significant economic stimulus.
Although the policy was initially proposed during last year’s election campaign, she noted that the changing economic landscape over the past year necessitates further study and consultation with coalition partners. She emphasized that the program would comply with the Financial Discipline Act and that public input would be considered to ensure its success, according to Thai national media.
Regarding her father, former Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra, Paetongtarn dismissed concerns of political domination, asserting that while she values his advice, she and her family maintain independent thinking.
Paetongtarn acknowledged the influence of Thaksin’s experience but stressed that decisions in her role as Prime Minister are solely her own. Paetongtarn also expressed deep gratitude for the royal pardon granted to Thaksin, describing it as an immense honor for her family.
