How impressive is 1st female PM to society's leading women?

Red shirt chairwoman Thida Thavornseth: "It was amazing she could pass one year in her term so well, considering that she had no experience in the political field. Some people dislike her administration, but even a man as good as Thaksin Shinawatra has people who dislike him.

"On her dealing with last year's flood, the PM was able to handle this disaster very well too. I doubt if many people as inexperienced as her would have dealt with the floods as well as her."

Wilaiwan Saetia, vice president of the Thai Labour Solidarity Committee: "PM Yingluck Shinawatra has a good personality but she still cannot make her own decisions on the important policies. On this point, some say she is under her brother's shadow.

"She has no political experience so she needs help from the advisers. I think she should study issues more in order to reduce mistakes. But I think she is trying very hard to improve herself.

"About her work on government policies, the policies are very good but she still can't make them really happen. Her weakest links are the wage-increment policy, the women's fund, her brother intervening and her performance in solving the flood problems."

Thapanee Ietsrichai, a well-known reporter: "PM Yingluck has a good personality and she is the first female PM of Thailand so the spotlight is on her when she is abroad.

"She has become more confident over the past year compared to the first day that she began her prime minister position. This helps her convince people that she does not work under anybody's control. She has also been able to create a noticeable image on the world stage as a female premier.

"It could be seen through her characteristics and dress style, but she sometimes lacks decisive decisions, perhaps because she is a woman. Women normally compromise more than men.

"Actually, a good personality is part of leadership. If she has achievements that impress people, they will trust her," Thapanee added.

Supinya Klangnarong, NBTC commissioner: "Yingluck has been keeping herself safe by not retorting and not getting involved in conflicts. That was her best form of protection from political attack. However, comparing her performance with other female leaders in foreign countries, those leaders have political stances and perspectives. Yingluck has not reached that point."

Assoc Prof Chantana Banpasirichote Wungaeo, head of Chulalongkorn University's Government Department: "Besides being the first female prime minister, Yingluck has not been outstanding from other women in Thai politics. She has little experience and did not have the experience of fighting for something like Aung San Suu Kyi did. However, Yingluck is a good mother. She is an example of the mother who raises her child independently. That's good."