Thailand’s parliament has chosen Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the daughter of billionaire and former leader Thaksin Shinawatra, as the country’s new prime minister. At 37, she becomes the youngest prime minister in Thailand’s history and the second woman to hold the position, following her aunt Yingluck Shinawatra.

Paetongtarn’s selection comes just two days after former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin was dismissed by the constitutional court. Both leaders are members of the Pheu Thai Party, which, despite coming second in the 2023 election, formed a ruling coalition.

As the new prime minister, Paetongtarn faces significant challenges, including reviving Thailand’s stalled economy and avoiding the military coups and judicial interventions that have previously unseated four administrations led by her party.

After the parliamentary vote, Paetongtarn expressed her hopes of building opportunities and improving the quality of life for all Thais. She acknowledged the challenges ahead, noting that while she might not be the most talented in the room, she is determined and supported by a strong, experienced team.

With 319 votes in favor and 145 against, Paetongtarn is the fourth member of the Shinawatra family to assume the role of prime minister in the past two decades. Her father Thaksin, and her aunt Yingluck, were both removed from office by military coups or court rulings.

Paetongtarn, who was educated in elite Thai schools and at a university in the UK, previously worked with her family’s Rende hotel group before joining Pheu Thai in 2021. She was appointed party leader in October 2023. Her leadership injects fresh energy into Thailand’s political scene, and there is hope within Pheu Thai that she can revitalize the party’s fortunes.

Her father, Thaksin Shinawatra, who returned to Thailand last October after 15 years in exile, encouraged her to “do your best” and expressed his pride in seeing her take on the role.