Thai king appoints Paetongtarn as new PM

BANGKOK — Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn has appointed Paetongtarn Shinawatra as the country's prime minister, Secretary-General of the House of Representatives Arpath Sukhanunth announced on Sunday.

In a ceremony held on Sunday morning at the Pheu Thai Party headquarters, Arpath delivered the royal command stating that Paetongtarn has been appointed premier as she received majority support in the parliamentary vote on Friday.

The royal endorsement paves the way for a cabinet formation as the 37-year-old officially assumes office as the youngest and second female prime minister in the Southeast Asian nation.

In her first official speech as prime minister, Paetongtarn said she will collaborate with the legislative branch during the remaining three years of the parliamentary term and create space to listen to every opinion with the goal of propelling Thailand forward with unwavering determination.

In her later address to the media, Paetongtarn said she expected the government to remain cohesive, adding that she would carry on the policies put in place during the previous administration under then-prime minister Srettha Thavisin.

She emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong and enduring relationship between Thailand and China, stating, "We hope to do more with China."

Paetongtarn, the youngest daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, entered politics in 2021.

Xinhua