Photo: The new meeting chamber of the House of Representatives, Pra Suriyan Meeting Chamber. For EVC Deerada Nedtip
What is happening?
Thailand is facing fresh political turmoil after its Constitutional Court voted 7-2 on July 1 to suspend Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the country’s youngest-ever leader, over allegations of ethical misconduct. Thirty-six senators jointly filed the case after her phone call with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen, in which she referred to him as “uncle” and criticized a Thai military commander over a recent border clash that left one Cambodian soldier dead.
The leaked call was widely condemned as undermining Thailand’s sovereignty, sparking mass protests led by the newly formed United Front to Defend Thai Sovereignty at Bangkok’s Victory Monument on June 28. Reflecting the public backlash, a NIDA poll conducted between June 19 and 25 found Paetongtarn’s approval rating had plunged from 30.9 percent to just 9.2 percent.
Despite the suspension, Paetongtarn remains in the cabinet as Minister of Culture, following the new lineup published in the Royal Gazette on July 1. The role of Deputy Prime Minister was given to Phumtham Wechayachai, a fellow Pheu Thai Party (PTP) politician and former defense chief, who also now serves as Interior Minister. The cabinet reshuffle followed multiple resignations, including those of eight ministers from the Bhumjaithai Party, who cited the leaked call as affecting Thailand’s sovereignty and national interests.
What is the broader picture?
Thailand has endured persistent democratic instability for over a decade, a turmoil that deepened after the 2023 general election. The progressive Move Forward Party (MFP) secured the most seats but was barred from forming a government by the military-appointed Senate. In 2024, the Constitutional Court disbanded the MFP for advocating reforms to the lèse-majesté law, codified in Section 112 of the Criminal Code. In the aftermath, the PTP—a conservative-populist force ousted from power in 2014—abandoned its alliance with the MFP and forged a new coalition with pro-military parties, installing Srettha Thavisin as Thailand’s 30th Prime Minister in August 2023. However, Srettha’s tenure was short-lived; he was removed from office on August 14, 2024, after appointing a minister with a prior criminal conviction.
The House of Representatives then chose Paetongtarn Shinawatra—daughter of exiled former leader Thaksin Shinawatra and niece of ousted Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra—as Thailand’s new premier, making her the third family member to hold the position. Even before taking office, Paetongtarn faced criticism over her family name, widely associated with corruption, and was accused of being a puppet for her father.
Why does it matter?
Paetongtarn’s suspension has intensified uncertainty in a country that has seen near-annual changes in leadership, fueling public demands for either her resignation or fresh elections. This ongoing instability threatens investor confidence and risks further economic fallout, particularly as Thailand grapples with external pressures like U.S. tariffs and a fragile tourism-dependent economy. Many fear that another military intervention could plunge the country back into authoritarian rule.
There are also growing fears of another military coup, which could severely damage the already fragile tourism-dependent economy. In contrast, dissolving Parliament and holding elections could restore public faith in democracy.