In a groundbreaking moment for Thailand, the newly formed cabinet under Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra boasts the highest number of women in the nation’s political history. Women now hold eight of the 36 ministerial positions, following royal endorsement on September 4. Let’s delve into the impressive backgrounds of these trailblazing women:
Paetongtarn Shinawatra
Prime Minister / Age: 38
The youngest daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, Ms. Paetongtarn is the fourth member of the Shinawatra family to ascend to this prestigious role. Her academic credentials include a bachelor’s degree in political science from Chulalongkorn University and a master’s degree in hotel management from the University of Surrey in England.
Ms. Paetongtarn entered the political arena in 2021 with the Pheu Thai Party, initially serving as Chairman of the Advisory Board on Political Participation and Innovation. She swiftly rose through the ranks to become leader of the Pheu Thai family in 2022, and was one of the party’s prime ministerial candidates in the 2023 general election. Her appointment follows the suspension of former premier Srettha Thavisin on August 14 for appointing ex-convict Pichit Chuenban as a cabinet minister. At 38, she has made history as Thailand’s youngest prime minister, a title previously held by MR Seni Pramoj who was 40 when he took office in 1945.
Jiraporn Sindhuprai
Prime Minister’s Office Minister / Age: 37
Ms. Jiraporn comes from a distinguished political lineage. As the eldest daughter of Nisit Sindhuprai, a former leader of the United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), and Aim-orn Sindhuprai, a former Pheu Thai list MP, she has politics in her blood. She holds a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts from Assumption University and a master’s degree in international business from the University of Reading in England.
Twice elected as the MP for Roi Et in 2019 and 2023, she now serves as deputy leader of the Pheu Thai Party. Known for her innovative approach, Ms. Jiraporn was the youngest minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office in the previous administration and a member of Prayut Chan-o-cha’s cabinet.
Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol
Culture Minister / Age: 42
Ms. Sudawan, the eldest daughter of Pheu Thai MP Weerasak Wangsuphakijkosol and Yonlada Wangsuphakijkosol, CEO of the Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Administrative Organisation, has a rich blend of engineering and political expertise. She earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Suranaree University of Technology and was actively involved in her family’s cassava starch business before jumping into politics.
Initially appointed as Tourism and Sports Minister under Srettha Thavisin, Ms. Sudawan transitioned to the role of Culture Minister. Making her debut as a Pheu Thai MP-list in the 2023 general election, she continues to make waves in her new position.
Narumon Pinyosinwat
Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister / Age: 51
Ms. Narumon is a powerhouse of academic achievement and political acumen. She holds a bachelor’s degree in statistics from Chulalongkorn University, a master’s degree in applied mathematics from the University of Georgia, and a doctorate in finance from Pennsylvania University.
After joining the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) during the 2019 general election, she served as Deputy Labour Minister and Prime Minister’s Office spokeswoman. She now leads the Kla Dharma Party and heads one of the country’s most vital ministries.
Supamas Isarabhakdi
Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Minister / Age: 51
Armed with a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering and a master’s in engineering management from Chulalongkorn University, Ms. Supamas embarked on her political journey as a Bangkok MP under the now-defunct Thai Rak Thai Party in 2001. Her career includes stints with the Palang Prachachon Party and now as treasurer for the Bhumjaithai Party.
Manaporn Charoensri
Deputy Transport Minister / Age: 58
Ms. Manaporn, hailing from Nakhon Phanom, has a deeply rooted political career. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in political science from Ramkhamhaeng University and a doctorate in political public relations from Kirk University. With a strong local political base, she was deputy chief of the Nakhon Phanom Provincial Administration Organisation and its chief executive between 2004 and 2008.
As a red-shirt member, she joined the Pheu Thai Party’s red-shirt group in 2006 and has been elected as an MP three times, the latest being in the 2023 elections. Now, she serves as the secretary of the Pheu Thai Party’s northeastern office and internal coordinator.
Theerarat Samrejvanich
Deputy Interior Minister / Age: 45
Ms. Theerarat is the daughter of the late Wiboon Samrejvanich, a former Bangkok MP from Lat Krabang constituency. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communication arts from Bangkok University, a master’s in international business from the University of Wollongong, and a doctorate in transdisciplinary studies from Central Queensland University in Australia.
Starting her political career in 2011 in her family’s stronghold of Lat Krabang, she has won elections in 2019 and 2023, becoming the sole Pheu Thai MP from Bangkok in the 2023 elections.
Sabeeda Thaised
Deputy Interior Minister / Age: 39
Ms. Sabeeda is the second child of former Deputy Interior Minister Chada Thaised. She is armed with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in law from Abac and London, respectively. Before her political ascent, she worked in her father’s cabinet and represented him at various local events.
Ms. Sabeeda is the third member of her family to hold a ministerial position, following her father and her aunt Mananya Thaised, who served as Deputy Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister under Gen Prayut’s administration.
It’s amazing to see more women in power in Thailand. About time, right?
True, but let’s not forget that some of them only got there because of their family connections. Nepotism much?
Family connections or not, they’re still breaking barriers. Give credit where it’s due.
Nepotism is just how politics works everywhere. Look at the Bushes and Clintons in the US. At least some good is coming out of it.
This is a fantastic step forward for gender diversity. I hope this inspires more women to pursue politics in Thailand.
Optimism is great, but I’ve seen too many ‘groundbreaking’ moments that didn’t change much in the long run.
Change takes time. Celebrate the small victories and the bigger ones will follow.
Exactly, Anna. Every journey begins with a single step.
Paetongtarn might be the youngest PM, but the real question is can she handle the pressure?
She’s got the academic background and the family political history. I’m sure she’ll do fine.
Academic background doesn’t always translate to effective leadership. Let’s see how practical she is in governance.
The shift towards more women in politics could bring a refreshing change in policy-making. Men have ruled long enough.
Careful what you ask for. Change isn’t always positive. What if their policies are worse?
Worse how, Davis? Women tend to focus more on social issues, which is something Thailand desperately needs right now.
Seeing the backgrounds of these women, it’s evident they are well-educated and highly competent. But will that be enough to fight corruption?
Sadly, corruption is a tough beast to tackle. Even the most competent leaders fall prey to it.
Corruption is systemic. One person or even a handful of people can’t change an entire culture. It takes a concerted effort from all levels of society.
Thailand’s politics has always been fascinating. This new cabinet might be the most interesting yet.
Fascinating or corrupt? It’s a thin line.
Okay, but let’s talk policy. How are these women planning to address climate change?
True. It’s one thing to have women in power, but it’s another thing to see their policies in action.
I, for one, welcome our new female leaders. Thailand could use a softer touch in politics.
Softer touch doesn’t always mean effective leadership, though.
Anyone else worried about Paetongtarn’s lack of experience? I don’t care who your family is, experience matters.
Young leaders bring fresh ideas. Experience is important, but it’s not everything.
Good point, Ben. Some of the most effective leaders were inexperienced when they started.
Representation matters. Seeing women in these positions will inspire future generations.
Yes, but they need to perform well too. Otherwise, it’s just setting a bad example.
Inspiration without competence can do more harm than good.
8 out of 36 isn’t exactly groundbreaking. We need to aim for parity!
Paetongtarn is surprisingly young. I hope her youth brings bold reforms rather than naive decisions.
Jiraporn Sindhuprai seems like a solid choice for the PM’s Office Minister. Her family involvement in politics could be a double-edged sword.
I’m excited for Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol as Culture Minister. Her engineering background might bring a logical approach to cultural policies.
Narumon Pinyosinwat leading the agriculture sector is commendable given her academic background. I hope she pushes for modern agricultural methods.
Supamas Isarabhakdi has had an interesting political career. Do you think her past affiliations will affect her new role?
Political affiliations always play a role. It’s all about how she leverages her experience.
Manaporn Charoensri’s extensive local government experience will be crucial in her new role as Deputy Transport Minister. She understands grassroots issues.
Sabeeda Thaised’s legal background could lend a strategic angle to her role. But how effective is she really?
Effective enough to get where she is. Let’s wait and see how she performs.
Let’s not idealize these women just because they’re women. They need to prove their worth just like anyone else.
Interesting choice for Deputy Transport Minister. She’s from a political family, but does she have the skills?
Saw this coming. Thailand’s been ready for a shift and women are leading the charge.
Fingers crossed that these women tackle the corruption issues head on. It’s been a long-standing problem.
Seeing highly qualified women step into power is reassuring. Now, let’s hope they deliver what they promised.
The global trend of women assuming leadership roles is catching on. Thailand’s finally catching up.
How much of a difference can 8 women make out of 36? It’s still very much a man’s world.
Always found Thai politics intriguing. These women will either be game changers or fall into the same traps as their predecessors.