Yingluck Shinawatra served as the 28th prime minister of Thailand from 2011 to 2014, marking the first time a woman held the position in the country. Her tenure as head of state occurred during a period of intense political crisis, ultimately concluding with her removal from office by a Constitutional Court decision regarding the reassignment of a national security official.
Background and Business Career
Born in 1967 in San Kamphaeng, Yingluck Shinawatra pursued an academic path in political science and public administration, earning degrees from Chiang Mai University and Kentucky State University. Her early professional life centered on the telecommunications and property sectors. She held leadership roles at Advanced Info Service and served as president of SC ASSET Corporation. These positions established her as a prominent figure within the business landscape of Thailand prior to her entry into government.
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In 2011, the Pheu Thai Party nominated her as its candidate for prime minister. She campaigned on platforms addressing poverty reduction and tax reform, securing a landslide victory in the national election. Serving as both prime minister and Minister of Defence, she held a seat in the House of Representatives from 2011 to 2013. Her administration focused on national reconciliation and economic strategy, although it faced significant public opposition.
Political Transition and Exile
Following mass protests in 2013, she requested a dissolution of parliament to trigger a snap election. By May 2014, the Constitutional Court removed her from office due to abuse of power charges. After the military coup that followed, she was briefly detained at an army camp. In 2017, she was found guilty in absentia and sentenced to five years in prison. She subsequently left Thailand and has since maintained a role as the chairwoman of a Chinese port operator.
Fast facts
- Born: 1967, San Kamphaeng
- Prime Minister of Thailand: 2011-2014
- Minister of Defence: 2013-2014
- Education: Chiang Mai University, Kentucky State University
- Political Party: Pheu Thai Party
- Languages: Thai, English, Lanna, Hakka Chinese
- Citizenship: Thailand
Questions readers ask
What was the official reason for her removal from office?
The Constitutional Court of Thailand removed her from the position of caretaker prime minister in May 2014 for abuse of power regarding the 2011 removal of national security chief Thawil Pliensri.
What is her current professional status?
Since 12 December 2018, she has served as the chairwoman and legal representative of Shantou International Container Terminals Ltd in China.
Achievements
- Prime Minister of Thailand (2011–2014)
- Minister of Defence of Thailand (2013–2014)
- Member of the House of Representatives of Thailand (2011–2013)
- Grand Cordon of the Order of the White Elephant — 2012
- Grand Cordon of the Order of the Crown of Thailand — 2012
- Boy Scout Citation Medal of Vajira — 2010
- Educated at Chiang Mai University and Kentucky State University
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