Paetongtarn "Ung Ing" Shinawatra, prime minister-elect, has vowed to work with determination to create opportunities and enhance the quality of life for all Thais.
The 37-year-old daughter of former PM Thaksin Shinawatra spoke to the media on Friday after acknowledging the House of Representatives vote in her favour to become Thailand's 31st prime minister.
Ms Paetongtarn won overwhelming support from the House to become the country's 31st prime minister without competition. She is the country's youngest prime minister.
She received 319 votes of support, including all six MPs from the opposition Thai Sang Thai Party, 145 votes against, and 27 abstentions, which came from the Democrat Party, the House Speaker and the second Deputy House Speaker.
Gen Prawit Wongsuwon, leader of the coalition partner Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) and Pheu Thai list-MP Chalerm Ubamrung, who recently challenged the party to expel him, were absent.
Ms Paetongtarn succeeded Srettha Thavisin, who was dismissed on Wednesday by the Constitutional Court for an ethical violation.
After the House endorsement, the Pheu Thai leader thanked them for their support and pledged to perform her duties to the best of her ability. She declined to comment on government work and the allocation of cabinet seats until receiving royal approval.
She asserted that she could manage the pressures of the office despite criticism about her lack of experience, saying that although she does not see herself as the best in politics, her strengths are her clear motivation and teamwork abilities.
"We, the Pheu Thai Party and the coalition parties, will work together to create opportunities, improve the quality of life and create power for all Thai people," she said. "Today, I feel honoured and very happy. I confirm that I will do my best every day and at every opportunity. I believe that everything will go well."
Ms Paetongtarn is the third member of the Shinawatra family to hold the job after her father and aunt Yingluck. Thaksin's brother-in-law, Somchai Wongsawat, also briefly held the role in 2008. Thaksin and his younger sister, Yingluck, went into exile after military coups against their governments.
On Thursday, the parties in the coalition government agreed to back Ms Paetongtarn to be selected as the candidate for prime minister.
Sorawong Thiengthong, Pheu Thai's secretary-general, nominated Ms Paetongtarn as the prime minister candidate after House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha convened the meeting at 10am yesterday.
The motion was supported by 291 MPs, with no other contestant. Ms Paetongtarn was not present at the meeting. Government and opposition MPs rose on the floor to debate the prime minister's nomination before voting started at 11.11am.
At 5pm yesterday, Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, President of the House of Representatives, told reporters that he submitted Ms Paethongtarn's name for the prime minister role to the Royal Palace for His Majesty the King's approval according to procedure.
"After this, we are waiting for the royal approval, which will be notified to the Office of the Secretary-General of the House of Representatives again," he said.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet congratulated Ms Paetongtarn on her appointment, saying the House's support is a testament to the Thai people's trust and confidence in her leadership.
Thakorn Tanthasit, secretary-general of the Thai Sang Thai Party, said he and fellow party MPs voted in support of Ms Paetongtarn to end the political vacuum after Mr Srettha's removal.
He insisted the party had not made any deals and had no vested interest in the decision, saying the people represented by the party MPs wanted a new government to address their problems as soon as possible.
Mr Thakorn said he and party leader Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan, who was upset by the party MPs' move, do not have a rift and will explain the matter to her. On her Facebook page, Khunying Sudarat said their decision goes against the party's ideology and the ethical standards expected from an opposition party. She said the party's board will meet to consider their actions.
