Fact Check: "Women have held the position of Prime Minister in Thailand twice."
What We Know
The claim that women have held the position of Prime Minister in Thailand twice is accurate. The first female Prime Minister of Thailand was Yingluck Shinawatra, who took office in 2011. She served until 2014 and was notable for being the first woman to hold this position in the country's history. Following her, the second woman to assume the role is Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who became Prime Minister on August 16, 2024, making her the youngest individual to hold the office at the age of 37. Both women are members of the influential Shinawatra political family, which has played a significant role in Thai politics.
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim is robust and comes from reliable sources. The Wikipedia entry on the list of prime ministers of Thailand clearly states that Yingluck Shinawatra was the first female Prime Minister, while Paetongtarn Shinawatra is identified as the second. This information is corroborated by the official Royal Thai Government website, which provides a historical overview of the Prime Minister's office and mentions both women explicitly.
In evaluating the reliability of these sources, Wikipedia is generally considered a good starting point for information, but it is always advisable to cross-reference with official government sources or reputable news outlets. The Royal Thai Government's website is a primary source and is thus highly credible. Additionally, news articles like the one from Reuters that reported on Yingluck's election provide context and public reaction, further validating her significance as the first female Prime Minister.
While there are no significant contradicting sources regarding the claim, it is important to note that the political landscape in Thailand has been tumultuous, with frequent changes in leadership. However, the historical record of these two women serving as Prime Ministers remains clear and undisputed.
Conclusion
The verdict is True. The claim that women have held the position of Prime Minister in Thailand twice is substantiated by credible sources and historical records. Yingluck Shinawatra and Paetongtarn Shinawatra are both confirmed as the first and second female Prime Ministers, respectively.
