Dressed in official uniform, Paetongtarn got down on her knees and paid homage to a portrait of King Vajiralongkorn before giving a short speech thanking the king and the people’s representatives for endorsing her as prime minister.
“As head of the executive branch, I will do my duty together with the legislators with an open heart,” she said. “I will listen to all opinions so together we can take the country forward with stability,” she added.
Paetongtarn, who has never served in government previously, will face challenges on multiple fronts, with the economy floundering, and the popularity of her Pheu Thai Party dwindling, having yet to deliver on its flagship digital wallet cash handout programme worth 500 billion baht (US$14.46 billion).
After accepting the royal endorsement, Paetongtarn hugged her father and other family members.
