Thailand faces political uncertainty after Paetongtarn’s suspension
(MENAFN) Thailand faces deepening political uncertainty following the suspension of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the second head of government to fall since the 2023 elections. The decision has not only destabilized the current administration but also cast doubt on the future of the influential Shinawatra political family.
Her ouster came after a leaked phone conversation with former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen revealed her making controversial remarks about a top Thai military official. Though the call aimed to ease long-standing border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia, the tone of her comments stirred public backlash and alarm within conservative circles.
This led 36 senators to lodge a formal complaint with the Constitutional Court, accusing her of unethical behavior and dishonesty in office. The court acted swiftly, suspending Paetongtarn while it reviews the case. Interior Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has stepped in as interim prime minister, though his authority remains limited.
The case mirrors last year’s downfall of Srettha Thavisin, who was removed over a constitutional violation tied to a political appointment. Together, these two high-profile suspensions reflect ongoing instability and the growing use of judicial mechanisms in Thailand’s political battles.
According to analysts, the court’s intervention raises serious concerns about the direction of governance. “The Constitutional Court’s suspension of Paetongtarn from the premiership heightens Thailand’s political risk and policy performance markedly,” said Thitinan Pongsudhirak, a political science professor at Chulalongkorn University.
With the Shinawatra brand weakened, the path forward is uncertain. New elections are not yet announced, and growing tensions between elected politicians and powerful unelected institutions like the military and judiciary continue to shape the political landscape. Whether the next government can achieve stability—or simply survive judicial scrutiny—remains a pressing question.
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