Bangkok — Thailand’s Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, successfully overcame a no-confidence vote in parliament on Wednesday (March 26), reinforcing the stability of her ruling coalition despite a two-day opposition challenge. Paetongtarn, the youngest prime minister in Thailand’s history, secured the support of 319 out of 488 lawmakers present. During the censure debate, critics accused her of lacking qualifications, having insufficient economic expertise, evading taxes, and being influenced by her father, Thaksin Shinawatra, a prominent political figure.

This vote served as an early test of her leadership, coming more than seven months after she unexpectedly stepped into the role following the removal of Srettha Thavisin by the court over an ethics violation. At 38, she is the fourth member of the Shinawatra family to hold the position. She dismissed all allegations, emphasizing that her performance should be judged based on her work rather than her family background.

Although her approval ratings remain modest and Thailand’s economic growth lags behind regional peers, the vote demonstrated that her coalition remains intact, reducing the likelihood of immediate political instability. Thailand has experienced repeated political upheavals, with past governments led by Pheu Thai and its predecessors—often linked to Thaksin—being ousted by court rulings or military coups. Paetongtarn has asserted that her government operates independently, while Thaksin maintains that he is retired and only provides occasional advice.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.