Bangkok - The 37-year-old daughter of billionaire Thaksin Shinawatra became Thailand’s prime minister Friday, the third member of the influential but divisive clan to lead the country.
Paetongtarn Shinawatra -- the youngest leader in Thailand’s history as a constitutional monarchy and the second woman premier after her aunt Yingluck -- assumes office after two court rulings that threw the kingdom’s politics into turmoil.
Lawmakers approved Paetongtarn of the Pheu Thai party as premier by 319 votes to 145, House of Representatives Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha said on live TV.
Paetongtarn said she was “very honoured and happy”.
“I really hope that I can make people feel confident. I hope to improve the quality of lives and empower all Thais,” she told reporters.
“I decided that it’s about time to do something for the country and the party. I hope that I can do my best to make the country go forward.”