New Thai PM committed to improving livelihoods

Paetongtarn Shinawatra says she will tap her father for advice, focus on key policies

- Tan Hui Yee

Thailand's new prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is committed to improving people's livelihoods, and said she will tap her father, former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, for advice.

"But not all the time, because that's not possible. I am my own person and... I have my goals that I want to achieve for the future," said Ms Paetongtarn, speaking at her first press conference after being appointed on the morning of Aug 18.

Ms Paetongtarn, 37, is the leader of the ruling Pheu Thai Party and the youngest daughter of the powerful but divisive billionaire who led the country for a period from 2001.

While there is no plan for her father to take on any formal position in the government, she will consult him for his opinions, as well as her family and those she respects, said Ms Paetongtarn.

"His vision has contributed to the development of the country for over 10 years... Therefore, it's unavoidable that I would need to ask for his advice as well," she said.

Ms Paetongtarn is the youngest person to become Thai premier.

The mother of two is also the nation's second woman prime minister and the third Shinawatra to take on the premiership, after her aunt Yingluck and father Thaksin, who fled into exile after military coups.

She hopes that her leadership will not meet the same fate. "I expect my government to be the strongest. Of course, I have to look on the bright side," she said, responding to a question from The Straits Times.