Paetongtarn Shinawatra officially becomes Thailand’s 31st prime minister

Pheu Thai party leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra has officially become Thailand’s 31st prime minister today, following the granting of Royal assent by His Majesty the King.

A ceremony was held this morning at the Voice Space building in Bangkok, the head office of the Pheu Thai party,where the Royal Command was read by the secretary-general of the House of Representatives Arpath Sukhanunth to Paetongtarn in front of a portrait of the King.

Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who became a free man today, several senior members of the Pheu Thai party and selected guests were present at the ceremony.

After the reading, the new prime minister said that she is honoured, proud and grateful for being royally appointed. She vowed that she will perform her duties using her utmost efforts with loyalty and honesty for the benefit of the country and the people.

For the remaining three years of the term of this parliament, she said that she will cooperate with the House with “an open heart” and be receptive to all divergent opinions.

The huge task ahead cannot be achieved by the prime minister alone, said Paetongtarn, as she appealed for cooperation from all sectors of Thai society in making Thailand a land of opportunity and happiness for all Thai people equally.

The Voice Space building was abuzz with activity as several core members of the Pheu Thai party, all dressed in official white suits and smiling, attended Paetongtarn’s official appointment ceremony.

Paetongtarn, in her official white suit, was all smiles as she waved to an army of reporters and photographers. She told the media that she went to bed earlier than usual last night,because she was concerned that she might wake up late for the ceremony this morning.

She was later joined her father, former Prime Minister Thaksin, and other members of her family. Thaksin hugged the new prime minister as soon as he got out of his car and told reporters that he feels very happy for her.

Core members of the governing coalition parties also attended the ceremony and expressed their good wishes to the new prime minister.