Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been named among Forbes Magazine’s 100 World’s Most Powerful Women 2024, securing the 29th position globally and ranking third in Asia. This prestigious recognition places her among influential figures such as Sandy Ran Xu, CEO of China’s JD.com, and Nirmala Sitharaman, India’s Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, who hold the 27th and 28th positions, respectively.
In Southeast Asia, the list also highlights several other notable women leaders. Ho Ching, chairman of Temasek Trust, is ranked 32nd, while Sri Mulyani Indrawati, Indonesia’s Minister of Finance, appears at 49th. Helen Wong, Group CEO of OCBC in Singapore, takes the 59th spot, and Jenny Lee, Senior Managing Partner of Granite Asia in Singapore, is listed at 96th.
The Thai prime minister’s influence was previously acknowledged when she was included in the Time 100 Next leaders’ category by Time magazine. At 37 years old, she made history as Thailand’s youngest and 31st prime minister.
Paetongtarn is the youngest female prime minister in the history of Thailand, as noted by Jiraporn Sindhuprai, a minister in the Prime Minister’s Office.
Since assuming office, the Thai premier made moves to manage domestic challenges such as flooding across several provinces and a school bus fire incident. The 38 year old swiftly ordered agencies to respond effectively and pushed forward various policies initiated by the previous administration under former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin.
These policies include a three-year suspension of farmer debts, initiatives to boost tourism with a free visa policy, a 10,000 baht cash handout scheme, the enactment of a marriage equality law, and the 30-baht universal healthcare project.
Forbes’ 2024 Power List employs four key criteria: money, media, impact, and spheres of influence. The magazine considers gross domestic products and population sizes for political leaders, while corporate leaders are evaluated based on revenues, valuations, and employee numbers.
Additionally, media visibility and social reach are analysed for all candidates, reported Bangkok Post.
The list features 100 women whose collective economic power and influence amount to US$33 trillion, affecting over one billion people worldwide. These women demonstrate their leadership across finance, technology, and media sectors, effectively countering any doubts about women’s capacity to wield significant power, as highlighted by Forbes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news.
Why is Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s recognition on Forbes’ list significant for Thailand?
It emphasises Thailand’s role in global leadership, showcasing its progress in gender equality and political influence.
How do the initiatives led by Paetongtarn reflect her leadership style?
Her swift actions in crises and policy continuations highlight decisive, progressive governance focused on social welfare and economic growth.
What if more countries followed Thailand’s example of young leadership?
It could inspire innovative policies and greater adaptability in addressing modern challenges with fresh perspectives.
How does the inclusion of women from Southeast Asia in Forbes’ list impact regional perceptions?
It reinforces the region’s potential for female leadership, challenging traditional gender roles and encouraging diversity in power structures.
What role does media visibility play in shaping the power dynamics of influential women?
Media visibility amplifies their influence, creating a platform for their ideas and actions to reach a global audience, thus enhancing their impact.
The story Paetongtarn Shinawatra 29th on Forbes’ 2024 Power Women list as seen on Thaiger News.
