Who Is Paetongtarn Shinawatra? All About Thailand’s Newly Elected Youngest Prime Minister

• Early Life and Education: Paetongtarn was born on August 21, 1986, in Bangkok, and received her education at prestigious institutions, including Chulalongkorn University and the University of Surrey.
• Business and Political Career: Before entering politics, she held significant positions in her family’s businesses and was elected as Prime Minister in August 2024, following the removal of her predecessor.
• Family, Personal Life, and Facts: Paetongtarn is the daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and Potjaman Na Pombejra. She is married with children and actively engages with the public on social media.
• Net Worth: As of her election, Paetongtarn’s net worth is estimated to be substantial. However, the exact figure is not known.

Paetongtarn Shinawatra, born into one of Thailand’s most influential political families, has made history as the youngest Prime Minister in the country’s history.

Her ascent to power represents a significant moment in Thai politics, particularly given her family’s legacy.

Early Life and Education

Paetongtarn Shinawatra was born in Bangkok on August 21, 1986. She is the youngest daughter of Thaksin Shinawatra, a former Prime Minister of Thailand, and Potjaman Na Pombejra. Growing up in a politically prominent family, Paetongtarn was exposed to the intricacies of governance and public service from an early age.

For her education, she attended Saint Joseph Convent School for junior high and Mater Dei School for high school. She then graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Sociology, and Anthropology from Chulalongkorn University in 2008.

Following her undergraduate studies, Paetongtarn furthered her education in the UK, earning a Master’s degree in International Hotel Management from the University of Surrey.

Business & Political Career: Election as Prime Minister

Paetongtarn’s career began in the business sector, where she became the No. 1 shareholder of SC Asset Corporation and served as a director of the Thaicom Foundation. Her business acumen laid a strong foundation for her future political endeavors.

In 2021, she formally entered politics by joining the Pheu Thai Party, where she quickly rose through the ranks. She was appointed as the party’s leader in October 2023 and became a key figure in the campaign leading up to the 2024 general elections.

Following the removal of her predecessor, Srettha Thavisin, by the Constitutional Court, Paetongtarn was nominated and subsequently elected as Prime Minister on August 16, 2024, making her the youngest and only the second woman to hold this position in Thailand.

Family, Personal Life, and Facts

Paetongtarn is married to Pitaka Suksawat, a commercial pilot, and the couple has two children. Their family life reflects a blend of traditional values and modern aspirations, with Paetongtarn balancing her roles as a mother and a political leader. She is known to engage with her followers on Instagram, where she shares insights into her personal life and political journey.

As the youngest daughter of Thaksin Shinawatra, Paetongtarn is also the niece of Yingluck Shinawatra, another former Prime Minister.

Net Worth

At the time of her election as Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s net worth is estimated to be substantial, reflecting her family’s wealth and her successful business ventures.

While specific figures are not publicly disclosed, her involvement in various companies and her family’s extensive business empire contribute to her financial standing.