Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the Prime Minister of Thailand and daughter of former Premier Thaksin, secured the endorsement of 319 out of 488 lawmakers.

Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra successfully faced a vote of no confidence in parliament, defying opposition parties who accused her of acting as a proxy for her father, Thaksin Shinawatra, a former premier and billionaire.

Following a two-day discussion where the opposition scrutinized the 38-year-old Prime Minister’s approach to the economy and national security, as well as her inexperience, lawmakers voted not to remove her from office, with 319 votes against the motion to 162 in favor, and seven members abstaining.

After the election, Paetongtarn expressed gratitude to her supporters.

“All votes, both supportive and opposing, will serve as a catalyst for me and the cabinet to diligently work for the people,” she stated on Facebook.

This motion came at an unfavorable time for Paetongtarn, as public trust in her coalition government’s ability to tackle national issues is currently low, at only 38.55 percent.

Thaksin, her father, stands as one of the most significant and controversial political figures in Thai history, who returned to Thailand after 15 years abroad in 2023.

He served a part of an eight-year sentence for corruption and abuse of power in a police hospital before receiving a royal pardon. This has sparked speculation about a behind-the-scenes deal ensuring his treatment.

The 75-year-old is admired by many poorer Thais who benefited during his time in office from 2001 to 2006 but is reviled by the conservative elite who view him as corrupt and deceptive.

Last year, Paetongtarn became the head of a coalition government led by the Pheu Thai Party after Srettha Thavisin was ousted by a court ruling. She is the youngest prime minister and only the second woman to hold this position following her aunt, who was ousted in a 2014 military coup.