In August 2024, Paetongtarn "Ung Ing" Shinawatra, daughter of former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, became Thailand's youngest-ever Prime Minister at 38 — and the third member of the Shinawatra family to hold the office in two decades.
The Family's Roots: Sino-Thai Chiang Mai
The Shinawatras are a wealthy Sino-Thai (Thai-Chinese) family from Chiang Mai, descended from a 19th-century Hakka Chinese immigrant. The family built fortunes in silk and telecommunications.
Her Father: Thaksin Shinawatra
Thaksin Shinawatra, born 26 July 1949, was Prime Minister of Thailand from 2001 to 2006, when he was overthrown in a military coup. He spent 15 years in self-imposed exile before returning to Thailand in August 2023.
Her Mother: Khunying Potjaman
Potjaman Na Pombejra, born 1956, is Thaksin's wife (later divorced, 2008). She and Thaksin have three children together.
Her Aunt: Yingluck Shinawatra
Yingluck Shinawatra, born 21 June 1967, is Paetongtarn's aunt — Thaksin's youngest sister — and was Prime Minister of Thailand from 2011 to 2014, also overthrown by a military coup. She has lived in self-exile since 2017.
Her Siblings
Panthongtae "Oak" Shinawatra, born 1979 — elder brother, businessman.
Pintongta "Aim" Shinawatra Kunakornwong, born 1981 — elder sister.
Her Husband: Pidok Sooksawas
Pidok Sooksawas, born ~1980, is a Thai pilot. They married in 2019 and have two children: a son Prutthasin and a daughter Thasarakorn.
The Shinawatra Family Tree at a Glance
Family Origins: Sino-Thai Hakka; Chiang Mai.
Parents: Thaksin Shinawatra (b. 26 July 1949, PM 2001–2006); Potjaman Na Pombejra (b. 1956).
Aunt: Yingluck Shinawatra (b. 1967, PM 2011–2014).
Siblings: Panthongtae "Oak" (b. 1979); Pintongta "Aim" (b. 1981).
Husband: Pidok Sooksawas (m. 2019); two children.
Paetongtarn Shinawatra:
- Born 21 August 1986, Bangkok
- Mater Dei School; Chulalongkorn University (BA Sociology, 2008)
- University of Surrey, UK (MSc International Hotel Management, 2011)
- Pheu Thai Party leader (2023–present)
- Prime Minister of Thailand from 16 August 2024
What the Shinawatra Family Story Teaches Us
A grandfather who built a fortune in silk and telecom. A father who was Prime Minister and was deposed by a coup. An aunt who was Prime Minister and was deposed by a coup. A daughter who at 38 became the country's third Shinawatra Prime Minister. Two exiled members of the family. A wider family that has dominated Thai politics for two decades despite military intervention.
For every family — large or small, famous or otherwise — the Shinawatra story carries the same lesson. Family dynasties shape entire countries. The Shinawatra family has given Thailand three Prime Ministers from one household. Most families have smaller-scale dynastic patterns. Write down which members of your family followed which paths. Repeat patterns are often the story.
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