Yingluck Shinawatra became Thailand's first female prime minister in 2011 at age 45, bringing fresh leadership and promise. She has worked to restore trust and maintain stability while revitalizing bilateral relations, including with the UK. A new Strategic Dialogue agreement between Thailand and the UK established a forum to strengthen cooperation across trade, investment, education, defense and more. Thailand has experienced strong economic growth in recent years and seeks deeper international economic ties under Shinawatra's leadership.