Thailand’s Youngest Female Prime Minister Embroiled in Controversy

Thailand’s newest and youngest female prime minister, Patongtan Shinawatra, 37, has been facing opposition since her inauguration last month. The latest controversy surrounds her ‘finger heart’ gesture while wearing a civil servant’s uniform, which some claim is contrary to the constitution.

Several requests for an investigation targeting Prime Minister Patongtan Shinawatra and the ruling Pua Thai Party have been submitted to the National Election Commission and the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). These include calls for the dismissal of Prime Minister Patongtan Shinawatra for breaching constitutional ethics rules and claims that former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s influence over the Pua Thai Party is grounds for the party’s dissolution.

Former senator Luang Krai Likitwattana, a member of the pro-military Palang Pracharat Party (PPRP), has requested an investigation into Prime Minister Patongtan Shinawatra’s ‘finger heart’ gesture, claiming it was unconstitutional and could damage public trust in the prime minister’s office.

Thai netizens have had mixed reactions to the incident, with few considering it an ethical violation. However, Luang Krai has a history of raising legal issues targeting opposition politicians, which have led to the resignation of prime ministers or the dissolution of parties in the past.

Stiton Thananitichot, director of the Department of Democracy and Innovation at the Prajadhipok Institute, has pointed out that the number of petitions for dismissal is excessive and motivated by revenge rather than a desire for verification. He added that Prime Minister Patongtan Shinawatra does not need to worry at the moment but that the situation could take a turn for the worse in the future.

Prime Minister Patongtan Shinawatra has responded to the various legal issues, saying, “We will do our best to respond. Please do not raise too many legal issues and get some sympathy.”

Prime Minister Patongtan Shinawatra became the 31st Prime Minister of Thailand, following former Prime Minister Seta Tawisin, who resigned due to the Constitutional Court’s impeachment decision on August 14. She is the youngest Thai prime minister and the second female prime minister in history.

Her father, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, served as Prime Minister of Thailand between 2001 and 2006 but was ousted in a military coup in 2006 and went into exile for 15 years before returning to Thailand last year. Upon his return, he was imprisoned for eight years.

Related Topics

• Thailand Politics
• Prime Minister Patongtan Shinawatra
• Constitutional Crisis