BANGKOK, Thailand – Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra recently engaged in a meaningful Q&A session with a group of students from various schools under the Ministry of Education, discussing her experiences and challenges as the country’s leader. She addressed a range of topics, including her journey to becoming the first female Prime Minister of Thailand, the pressures of being in public office, and the importance of self-awareness and mindfulness.
Paetongtarn, who graduated from Mater Dei School, continued her education at Chulalongkorn University and later pursued a master’s degree in the UK, initially planning to work in the hotel business. However, fate led her into politics. Reflecting on her role as Prime Minister, she acknowledged the demanding nature of the position, noting that the lack of regular holidays was a significant challenge. However, she stressed that the satisfaction of seeing the positive results of her work made it all worthwhile.
The Prime Minister also addressed the challenges of being a young female leader, pointing out that women in politics often face unique forms of criticism, such as being judged for their clothing choices, which is rarely the case for their male counterparts. She emphasized the importance of self-esteem, being mindful, and understanding one’s purpose and intentions in public service.
Drawing inspiration from her father, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, Paetongtarn shared how his policies, such as the “30 Baht for Every Disease” program, continue to benefit the Thai people today. She expressed her desire to create lasting policies that would improve the country’s future, especially for the next generation, including her own children.
The session also included light-hearted moments, with one student asking about her cooking skills. Paetongtarn fondly recalled making simple meals with her children during the COVID-19 lockdown and shared some of her children’s favorite dishes, such as crispy water spinach and omelets.
The event concluded with the Prime Minister posing for photos with the students and receiving handmade dolls from students involved in the “Thailand Zero Dropout” initiative, which aims to bring out-of-school children back into education. The atmosphere was lively, with many students asking for autographs and photos with the Prime Minister. (PRD)
