Early Life and Education of Paetongtarn Shinawatra: A Complete Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Paetongtarn Shinawatra, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Paetongtarn Shinawatra is a Thai politician belonging to the prominent Shinawatra family. In 2023, she became the leader of the Pheu Thai Party. As of 2024, she serves as the 31st prime minister of Thailand. She is the youngest daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and niece of former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra. Nicknamed Ung Ing, Paetongtarn holds the distinction of being the youngest prime minister in Thailand's history and is the second woman to hold the position, after her aunt Yingluck.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

1969: Alpine Golf Course land donation

In 1969, Nueam Chamnarnchatsakda donated the land for Alpine Golf Course, located in Khlong Luang District, Pathum Thani Province, to Wat Thammikaram Worawihan.

August 1986: Birth

Paetongtarn was born on 21 August 1986 in Bangkok.

1990: Sale and transfer of the land of the Alpine Golf Course

In 1990, the land of the Alpine Golf Course designated as Sangha property (monastic land)—was sold and transferred to Alpine Real Estate Co., Ltd. and Alpine Golf and Sports Club Co., Ltd. The shareholders of these companies included Uraiwan Thienthong, wife of Sanoh Thienthong, and Chuchip Hansawat.

1997: Land sale to Potjaman Shinawatra

In 1997, the Alpine Golf Course land was sold to Potjaman Shinawatra, wife of then-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, and Yongyuth Wichaidit. A subsequent order revoked the Land Department's cancellation of the land title deed due to its Sangha property status.

March 2004: Paetongtarn enrolls at Chulalongkorn University

In March 2004, Paetongtarn Shinawatra enrolled at Chulalongkorn University after passing Thailand's national university entrance exam. However, questions arose over her admission due to her reportedly low high school GPA and significantly higher second-round entrance exam scores.

August 2005: Woradej appointed as an Assistant Minister of Education.

In August 2005, Woradej, who resigned following a Ministry of Education's review of the investigation around Paetongtarn's enrollment to Chulalongkorn University, was later appointed as an Assistant Minister of Education.

2008: Graduation from Chulalongkorn University

In 2008, Paetongtarn obtained a BA degree in political science from the Faculty of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University, with a focus on sociology and anthropology.

2012: NACC ruling on Yongyuth's actions

In 2012, Thailand's National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) ruled that Yongyuth had acted dishonestly in the Alpine Golf Course land case.

2019: Yongyuth sentenced to prison for corrupt conduct

In 2019, Yongyuth was sentenced to two years in prison by both the Court of First Instance and the Court of Appeal for corrupt conduct related to the Alpine Golf Course land case. Currently, the two companies are owned by Potjaman and her three children, including Paethongtarn Shinawatra.

January 2021: Birth of daughter Thitara Suksawat

In January 2021, Pitak and Paetongtarn had one daughter, Thitara Suksawat.

2022: Cannabis Decriminalization by the Prayut Government

In 2022, Cannabis was decriminalised by the Prayut government in 2022, with the move being most supported by the Bhumjaithai Party (BJT) as one of its flagship policies.

May 2023: Birth of son Phrutthasin Suksawat

In May 2023, Pitak and Paetongtarn had one son, Phrutthasin Suksawat, ahead of the general election the same month.

2023: Paetongtarn supports LGBT rights and rewriting the constitution

In 2023, Paetongtarn demonstrated her socially liberal views by supporting LGBT rights and attending the Bangkok Pride Parade with Pita Limjaroenrat. She also supports rewriting the constitution and scrapping military conscription, while opposing amending Thailand's lèse-majesté laws.

2023: Pheu Thai Party's Anti-Drug Policy

In 2023, the Pheu Thai party ran on an anti-drug policy and opposed the use of cannabis except for medical use.

2023: Paetongtarn calls herself a "socially liberal capitalist"

In a 2023 interview, Paetongtarn described herself as a "socially liberal capitalist", stating that her party and Srettha Thavisin want to focus on improving the economy. She supports "capitalism with empathy" along with gradually raising the minimum wage and implementing a ฿10,000 digital wallet scheme.

September 2024: Assessment of Flood Situation in Chiang Rai

In September 2024, following the policy announcement, Paetongtarn and relevant Cabinet members visited Mae Sai district, Chiang Rai, to assess the flood situation in northern Thailand.

September 2024: Proposed Bill Restricting Cannabis to Medical and Research Reasons

Shortly after becoming Prime Minister, the Ministry of Public Health proposed a new bill on 12 September 2024 restricting cannabis to medical and research reasons. It also proposed the establishment of a Cannabis Control Board (CCB) to regulate the industry.

2024: Asset declaration reveals luxury collection

In her asset declaration for 2024, Paetongtarn revealed a collection of 217 luxury handbags and 75 luxury watches, with a total net worth of over $400m USD.

January 2025: Paetongtarn almost victimized by scam

In January 2025, Paetongtarn revealed that she had nearly fallen victim to a scam involving a voice message impersonating another world leader, where the caller solicited donations.