The political novice could become Thailand’s first head of state to raise a newborn while in office if her party wins the election and she is chosen as the country’s next prime minister. The youngest daughter of former PM Thaksin Shinawatra would join a very limited league of female prime leaders if that scenario plays out as expected by her supporters and public opinion polls.
Only two prime leaders in modern history gave birth while in office: Jacinda Ardern of New Zealand in 2018 and Benazir Bhutto of Pakistan in 1990.
Paetongtarn, in contrast to those two well-known leaders, is due to deliver birth before a new administration is established. But once she was a full-fledged politician, whether in the administration or the opposition, the child would be raised. She may run for an MP seat in addition to being named a Pheu Thai candidate for prime minister, but it is still unknown.
