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Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s savvy style: from luxury brands to traditional designs, Thailand’s youngest prime minister is using fashion the smart way

Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thailand’s youngest prime minister, brings a new fashion style to her country’s cabinet. Photo: EPA-EFE
Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thailand’s youngest prime minister, brings a new fashion style to her country’s cabinet. Photo: EPA-EFE

  • From Chanel and Louis Vuitton to Dior and Gucci, the 37-year-old Thai prime minister – and billionaire heiress – has an evident soft spot for luxury brands, but knows better than to flaunt brands and logos
  • She also avoids bling and opts for classic accessories, like an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watch sans diamonds and Van Cleef & Arpels’ Alhambra necklace

Thailand’s youthful prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has the country rallying behind her as she brings a new, younger and more modern perspective to her government. Her personal style, too, has brought new energy to a cabinet otherwise dressed primarily in suits and traditional chut Thai.

At just 37 years old, Shinawatra made history as the youngest person – and the second woman – to ever hold the position, a role she stepped into in August this year.

She hails from a family of politicians, and is the youngest daughter of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was in power from 2001 to 2006; and niece of the 28th prime minister and the first female to take up the position, Yingluck Shinawatra.

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Before stepping into a life of public service she worked in the private sector, becoming a shareholder of the property firm her father founded, SC Asset Corporation. She was a director of the Thaicom Foundation, which has links to her family’s reported US$2.1 billion fortune.

Not only has her career taken a turn since assuming the role of leader of the Pheu Thai Party in 2023, but her style has also evolved to suit the needs of her now very public persona.

Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s style evolution

Paetongtarn Shinawatra likes to wear tailored jackets at public engagements. Photo: @ingshin21/Instagram
Paetongtarn Shinawatra likes to wear tailored jackets at public engagements. Photo: @ingshin21/Instagram

Shinawatra’s style has always leaned towards the more conservative and classic side. Despite trends like cropped tops and figure-hugging dresses, Shinawatra has always maintained an elegant and demure look. Still, she’s managed to fuse her preference for designer brands with an image that’s more understated and suited to a public servant

One of her favourite go-to pieces is the blazer, preferring a firm, structured look. However, she’s not afraid of having a bit of fun, playing with textures and colours to liven up the formal look.

 

She often wears a red velvet blazer, the colour of the Pheu Thai Party, such as the satin number pictured above.