Paetongtarn Shinawatra

Thailand is once again facing political upheaval after its Constitutional Court ruled to remove Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office. The decision, tied to a leaked phone call with Cambodia’s former leader Hun Sen, has reignited debate over Thailand’s fragile democracy, the enduring role of the Shinawatra family, and the country’s turbulent relationship with its powerful establishment.

The Scandal That Sparked the Fall

The controversy began with a leaked audio call on June 15, during heightened border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia. In the recording, Paetongtarn referred to Hun Sen as “uncle” and appeared to criticize her own military while suggesting she would accommodate Cambodia’s requests.

For critics, the remarks crossed the line, raising accusations of undermining national security and favoring a foreign power during a sensitive conflict. Weeks later, fighting along the Thai-Cambodian border claimed dozens of lives, deepening public outrage and fueling calls for her removal.

The Court’s Ruling

In a 6-3 decision, the Constitutional Court concluded that Paetongtarn “seriously violated ethical standards” and “lacked the qualifications” required under the constitution. This judgment immediately ended her premiership, just one year after she took office as Thailand’s youngest prime minister.

The ruling also dissolved her cabinet, placing ministers in caretaker roles until parliament selects a new leader.

A Family Tradition of Political Battles

The Shinawatra name has long defined Thailand’s political landscape—and its controversies.

• Thaksin Shinawatra, Paetongtarn’s father, was ousted in 2006 and lived in exile for over a decade.
• Yingluck Shinawatra, her aunt, was dismissed in 2014 before a military coup.
• Other family members, including her uncle Somchai Wongsawat, have also been forced from power by court rulings.

Paetongtarn’s removal continues this cycle, highlighting how political dynasties in Thailand face repeated clashes with entrenched elites.

Coalition in Disarray

Paetongtarn’s ouster has rattled the Pheu Thai Party, which now must scramble to nominate a new prime ministerial candidate. Their only option appears to be Chaikasem Nitisiri, a former justice minister, though it is unclear if he can secure coalition support.

The situation worsened when Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul—once a key ally—resigned from his posts and left the coalition, deepening uncertainty over whether the ruling bloc can survive. If no consensus is reached, fresh elections may be the only way forward.

The Bigger Picture: Establishment vs Reform

For decades, Thai politics has followed a familiar script: elected governments with popular support clash with powerful military, royalist, and business elites. Courts often become the instrument of change, removing leaders, banning lawmakers, and even dissolving political parties.

The removal of Paetongtarn echoes past episodes where Shinawatra-backed parties won elections but struggled to hold power. Many analysts believe that despite its troubles, Pheu Thai may still be tolerated by the establishment—as a bulwark against the surging opposition People’s Party, whose reformist agenda threatens deeper systemic change.

What Lies Ahead

The verdict has left Thailand’s political future uncertain. A weakened ruling coalition, a faltering economy, and an emboldened opposition all point toward turbulent months ahead. Whether Pheu Thai can regroup or the nation is pushed toward new elections, one thing is clear: the Shinawatra dynasty’s influence endures, even as its leaders continue to be unseated.

In a momentous turn of events, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, daughter of the influential yet polarizing former leader Thaksin Shinawatra, has officially become Thailand’s Prime Minister. Her appointment, endorsed by a royal decree on August 18, 2024, marks a significant chapter in Thailand’s political landscape, making her the third member of the Shinawatra family to hold the nation’s highest office.

Paetongtarn’s rise to power follows the removal of her predecessor, Srettha Thavisin, by the Constitutional Court, which found him guilty of serious ethical violations. The decision to elevate Paetongtarn to the premiership was met with a mixture of hope and skepticism, as she steps into a role that both her father and aunt previously held, only to be ousted by military coups.

During a solemn ceremony at the Pheu Thai Party headquarters in Bangkok, Paetongtarn received her letter of appointment. The event was a family affair, with her father, Thaksin, by her side—an image that underscored the enduring influence of the Shinawatra dynasty in Thai politics. Despite his absence from formal politics, Thaksin remains a key figure in the party, guiding it from behind the scenes.

In her acceptance speech, Paetongtarn expressed gratitude to the king, the Thai people, and Parliament. She pledged to govern with an open mind and to make Thailand a place where its citizens can “dare to dream, dare to create, and dare to dictate their own future.” Her words resonated with many, reflecting a vision of progress and unity in a country long divided by political strife.

Paetongtarn’s ascension is not just a personal triumph but also a historic moment for Thailand. At 37, she is the country’s youngest Prime Minister and the second woman to hold the position, following in the footsteps of her aunt, Yingluck Shinawatra. Her leadership will be closely watched, particularly as she navigates a coalition government that includes military parties responsible for the coups that deposed her family members.

The political significance of her appointment cannot be overstated. Paetongtarn’s rise to power comes at a time when Thailand is still grappling with the deep divisions that have marked its political landscape for nearly two decades. These divisions were exacerbated by the 2006 military coup that ousted her father, triggering years of conflict between Thaksin’s supporters and the conservative establishment.

Despite the challenges, Paetongtarn’s leadership offers a fresh perspective. Her government represents a delicate balance between the old guard and the new, with the Pheu Thai Party forming a coalition that includes former rivals—a move seen by many as a strategic compromise to prevent the more progressive Move Forward Party from gaining power.

Internationally, Paetongtarn’s appointment has already garnered attention. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated her on her election, expressing optimism about strengthening the ties between India and Thailand. His message reflects the importance of Thailand’s leadership on the global stage, particularly in its relationships with neighboring countries.

As Paetongtarn takes on the mantle of leadership, she inherits a complex legacy. Her father, who returned from exile last year, continues to cast a long shadow over Thai politics. His recent release from prison on a royal pardon has only added to the intrigue surrounding the Shinawatra family’s future role in the country. However, his ongoing legal challenges, including a defamation case involving the monarchy, serve as a reminder of the contentious nature of Thai politics.

Looking ahead, Paetongtarn’s government faces the daunting task of uniting a country still deeply divided along political lines. Her ability to lead will be tested by the need to reconcile the interests of her supporters with those of the conservative establishment. Yet, her vision of a more inclusive and forward-looking Thailand offers hope for a brighter future.

As Thailand embarks on this new chapter, all eyes will be on Paetongtarn Shinawatra as she seeks to chart a course that honors her family’s legacy while forging a new path for the nation.