Beitongdan Shinawatra Elected as Thailand's 31st Prime Minister, Female Leader Opens New Chapter in Thai Politics

August 16, 2024 is another day destined to be recorded in Thailand's political history. In the long history of Thai politics, Badongdan Shinawatra, the outstanding daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, is leading the rise of a new generation of female leaders with her extraordinary wisdom and tenacity. At the age of 38, at the special session of the Thai Parliament on August 16, 2024, she won a total of 319 votes in favor, 145 votes against, and 27 abstentions in the House of Commons. She was successfully elected as the 31st prime minister of Thailand and became the country's history. The second female leader continued to write the political legend of the Shinawatra family and became the third person to serve as prime minister after her father Thaksin and her Gu Yingluck. (If Thaksin's brother-in-law Somchai is included, it is the fourth.)

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Si Nan | Editor-in-Chief

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as a result of a 5-4 vote by the Constitutional Court ruling that former Prime Minister Seta Thatcher (Settha Thawisin) was no longer fit for the post of Prime Minister for appointing Puget Chuenban (Pichit) as Minister of the Prime Minister's Office. The ruling states that in appointing Phuket, Saita failed to show sufficient integrity and was forced to step down. With Sata's ouster, Bei Dongdan Shinawatra (Phaethongthan Chinnawat), currently the leader of the Thai Party, was successfully elected and became Thailand's 31st Prime Minister.

Under Article 159 of the Thai Constitution

process for electing a new Prime Minister is as follows:

this election is not only a selection of the leaders of the new Thai government, but also an important test of Thailand's democratic system. Betundan Shinawatra shoulders the important task of inheriting the political heritage of the Shinawatra family, and at the same time faces the challenge of achieving national stability and development in a complex political situation. This election can be said to have become a historic moment that has been closely watched by the whole of Thailand and the international community.

Bei Dong Dan, who followed his father in the political arena since childhood, has a natural sensitivity and love for politics. She once admitted that it was her father's political gene that inspired her yearning and pursuit of power. However, compared with his father's brilliant achievements, Bei Dongdan pays more attention to how to write his own story in a unique way in his own time.

the full support of the Thai party and the wide recognition of the coalition government, all this paved the way for the prime minister of betundan. If all goes well, she will become the youngest female prime minister in Thai history and another prime minister of the Shinawatra family after Thaksin and Yingluck, once again demonstrating the family's profound heritage and extensive influence in Thai politics.

Betundan's political career did not happen overnight. From her experience as a "family" leader of the Thai Party to her role as vice chairman of the National soft Power Strategy Committee, she has fulfilled her commitment to the country and the people with practical actions. Her educational background-ranging from secondary education in Bangkok to a bachelor's degree in sociology and anthropology from Chulalongkorn University to a master's degree in international hotel management in the UK-provided her with a wealth of knowledge and broad vision, and laid a solid foundation for her future political career.

time advanced to March 2022, Bei Dongdan's position in the party was further consolidated and she was awarded the post of "head of the Thai family". This appointment is undoubtedly a recognition of her leadership and political wisdom. With the approach of Thailand's general election in 2023, Bei Dongdan is actively involved in the election campaign. Her determination and courage have become an important business card of the Thai party. During the election campaign, she made it clear that if the Thai Party succeeds in governing, it will resolutely refuse to cooperate with conservatives and is committed to rapidly changing Thailand's political ecology. This statement has won the support of many voters.

, however, the result of the 2023 election was unexpected to many. The emerging Kadima Party emerged as the biggest winner in the lower house of parliament, while the Thai Party came in second. In the face of this situation, the Thai Party quickly adjusted its strategy, abandoned its attempt to form a cabinet with the Kadima Party, and instead joined hands with conservative parties such as the Self-Heated Thai Party and the People's National Forces Party to build a strong multi-party alliance and successfully occupied the House of Commons. Occupying 314 seats ensured the nomination and appointment of Prime Minister Sata. Bei Dongdan, on the other hand, was appointed chairman of the National soft Power Construction Commission and continues to shine in another area.

, an emergency press conference was held for the Thai party and its ruling coalition parties to formally announce the nomination of Bei Dongdan as the candidate for the new prime minister. This decision is not only a full trust in Bei Dongdan's personal ability, but also a firm commitment to the future development direction of the Thai party and the entire ruling coalition. From the business elite to the new star in the political arena, Bei Dongdan's every step has been solid and powerful.

In addition, as a mother of two children, Betundan has demonstrated an extraordinary ability to balance family and career. Her dual identity not only gives her a unique charm in Thai society, but also gives her a deeper understanding of the needs and expectations of the people.