Thailand’s youngest Prime Minister is launching her new government. The 38-year-old Paetongtarn Shinawatra is the daughter of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
Her coalition includes pro-military conservatives, who are keeping her father Thaksin’s influence in check.
Paetongtarn and her cabinet ministers are taking an oath in front of Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn on Friday evening.
The pro-Thaksin Pheu Thai Party led by Paetongtarn has secured major cabinet posts such as finance minister and foreign minister.
The conservative Palang Pracharath Party, which has close ties to the military, has been split. A faction led by former military chief Prawit Wongsuwan is not part of the new government.
Paetongtarn rose to her post after former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin stepped down. Thailand’s Constitutional Court ruled last month that he had violated the constitutional ethical standards by appointing a Cabinet member with a past conviction. Local media say that ruling came in response to pressure from conservatives.
Paetongtarn says she will work to rebuild the country’s sluggish economy, but some observers believe the new prime minister will face challenges maintaining political stability after the country’s recent upheaval.