On Tuesday, the Constitutional Court of Thailand suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, coinciding with her father’s trial for royal defamation. This development marks another significant challenge for the nation’s leading political dynasty.
For years, Thailand has been shaped by a conflict between the conservative, pro-military, pro-royalist elite and the Shinawatra clan, viewed by the former as a challenge to the nation’s established social hierarchy.
Paetongtarn, who assumed office less than a year ago, is set to be suspended as the Constitutional Court investigates potential breaches of ministerial ethics linked to a diplomatic dispute with Cambodia.
At Bangkok’s Government House, she informed reporters that she accepted the ruling.
“My intention has always been to act in the best interest of my country,” she stated. “I want to extend my apologies to the Thai people who are feeling frustrated about this situation.”
According to reports from Thai media, the investigation may last several weeks or even months. Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, a member of the Pheu Thai party, has been indicated to assume initial leadership of the probe.
A prominent figure in the opposition has urged the initiation of new elections.
Rangsiman Rome, the deputy leader of the opposition People’s Party, which emerged from the Move Forward party that garnered the highest number of votes in the 2023 general election, expressed to AFP that Paetongtarn had “lost her moral authority,” adding that the ruling was “not surprising.”
“The dissolution of parliament is being proposed as the solution.”
On Tuesday, Thaksin Shinawatra, the patriarch of the Shinawatra family and father of Paetongtarn, made his way to a criminal court in Bangkok. He is facing charges related to violations of Thailand’s stringent lese majeste laws, which are designed to protect the monarchy from public criticism.
Thai political analyst Thitinan Pongsudhirak told AFP that there is a direct and undeniable connection between the two cases, adding that the Shinawatra family’s reputation is experiencing a significant dilution.
A confrontation at the border has escalated tensions between the two nations.
The ongoing territorial dispute between Thailand and Cambodia escalated in May, resulting in cross-border clashes that claimed the life of one Cambodian soldier.
In a leaked recording that has sparked significant controversy, Paetongtarn addressed former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen as “uncle” while labelling a Thai military commander as her “opponent” during a conversation about rising tensions.
A conservative party has withdrawn from the ruling coalition, prompting approximately 10,000 individuals to demonstrate against Paetongtarn’s administration in Bangkok over the weekend.
A recent survey conducted by a Bangkok university reveals a dramatic decline in her approval rating, which has fallen to a mere nine percent, a significant drop from approximately 30 percent just three months prior.
Conservative lawmakers have accused Paetongtarn of showing undue deference to Cambodia and compromising the military’s integrity. They assert that her actions violate constitutional mandates that call for “evident integrity” and “ethical standards” among government ministers.
The Constitutional Court has agreed to investigate the complaint, announcing in a statement that it has decided by a 7-2 majority to suspend the respondent from Prime Ministerial duties effective July 1, pending the Court’s ruling.
On Tuesday, Thailand’s king approved Paetongtarn’s cabinet reshuffle following the resignation of her allies.
She has taken it upon herself to assume the role of culture minister, with plans to step into the position officially on Thursday. However, questions remain regarding her ability to do so amidst an ongoing investigation.
‘Critical dilution’ refers to a significant reduction in concentration or effectiveness, often leading to essential implications in various contexts.
Thaksin, her father, was removed from power in a coup in 2006, and his sister, Yingluck Shinawatra, faced a similar fate in 2014. Additionally, other prime ministers affiliated with their political movement have been dismissed through court rulings.
In August 2023, Thaksin made his return to Thailand following a 15-year absence spent overseas.
He received an immediate eight-year prison sentence for charges related to historic graft and abuse of power. However, he was subsequently hospitalised due to health concerns and later granted a pardon by the king.
Thaksin is facing serious allegations linked to a 2015 interview he conducted with South Korean media, with potential consequences that could lead to a prison sentence of up to 15 years if he is found guilty.
A dozen supporters gathered outside the court to show their backing for the former premier.
“I came here because of the injustice he’s faced for so many years,” said 79-year-old retired physiotherapist Wanlee Iamcharat in an interview with AFP. “I maintain that he is innocent.”
The proceedings are anticipated to extend over several weeks, and a verdict is not expected for at least a month after their conclusion.
A court official has confirmed to AFP that the trial commenced on Tuesday morning, with Thaksin present; however, media access has been restricted.
Outside the courtroom, attorney Winyat Chatmontri conveyed to AFP, “I can’t speak on his behalf about how he feels, but I think he seems chill.”
