Thaksin's sister becomes Thailand's first woman PM

Thailand's first female Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra (Reuters)

Yingluck Shinawatra, the sister of an ousted Thai leader, is vowing to work for national reconciliation after formally becoming the country's first female prime minister.

King Bhumibol Adulyadej certified her appointment with a royal command presented at a ceremony today at her Pheu Thai party headquarters.

Yingluck's brother, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, was removed by a 2006 military coup after being accused of corruption and disrespect for the monarchy. His ouster set off a sometimes violent struggle for power between his supporters and opponents that continues to leave the country polarised.