Yingluck Shinawatra

Yingluck Shinawatra

28th Prime Minister of Thailand
Date of Birth: 21.06.1967
Country: Thailand

Content:
  1. Yingluck Shinawatra: A Trailblazing Prime Minister
  2. Education and Business Career
  3. Political Ascent and Premiership
  4. Controversies and Challenges
  5. Personal Life and Legacy

Yingluck Shinawatra: A Trailblazing Prime Minister

Yingluck Shinawatra, born on June 21, 1967, in Chiang Mai, Thailand, is the 28th Prime Minister of the Kingdom. She is the leader of the Pheu Thai Party and the younger sister of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Education and Business Career

In 1988, Yingluck graduated from Chiang Mai University with a Bachelor's degree in Political Science and Public Administration. She went on to pursue higher education in the United States, earning an MBA from Kentucky State University and another Master's degree, reportedly in Public Administration.

After completing her studies, Yingluck joined her family's business, Shinawatra Directories, a telephone directory company. She rose through the ranks to become Director of Operations and Procurement. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, she held leadership positions in various telecommunications companies, including Rainbow Media and Advanced Info Service (AIS).

Political Ascent and Premiership

Yingluck's political career began in earnest in 2011. She was chosen as the leader of the Pheu Thai Party, a successor to her brother Thaksin's banned Thai Rak Thai party. In the parliamentary elections held on July 3, 2011, Pheu Thai emerged victorious, capturing 264 seats.

On August 5, 2011, Yingluck was officially elected Prime Minister by the parliament. She became the first female Prime Minister and the youngest in Thailand's history. Her tenure was marked by policies aimed at alleviating poverty and addressing the political instability that had plagued the country for years.

Controversies and Challenges

Yingluck's premiership was not without controversy. She was accused of being a proxy for her brother, Thaksin, who was facing corruption charges. Her handling of the rice subsidy program also led to protests and investigations.

In 2014, the Constitutional Court ruled that Yingluck had abused her power, leading to her removal from office. She remains a controversial figure in Thai politics, with supporters praising her populist policies and detractors criticizing her alleged corruption and closeness to her brother.

Personal Life and Legacy

Yingluck Shinawatra is married and has one son. She is known for her humble beginnings and her commitment to empowering the people of Thailand. Her legacy as the first female Prime Minister and her impact on Thai society continue to be debated and discussed.

© BIOGRAPHS