New Thai PM Takes Office

Posted August 8th, 2011 at 11:10 am (UTC-5)
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Thailand's new Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra took office Monday, vowing to work for peace and national reconciliation.

Ms. Yingluck won a landslide victory in July 3 elections and was officially made the country's first female prime minister by a parliamentary vote on Friday. This had to be certified by Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej before she could take office.

In an acceptance speech at her Pheu Thai party headquarters, she vowed to use her knowledge, ability and wisdom to bring unity to Thailand after years of political turmoil and violence.

Ms. Yingluck's has formed a six-party coalition which holds the majority of seats in the lower house of parliament.

The 44-year-old, who started her political career in June, is the sister of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. He was overthrown in a bloodless 2006 coup and is now living in self-imposed exile.