In a gripping turn of events, Thailand’s suspended Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, arrived at court on 29 August 2024, to testify regarding her controversial handling of a diplomatic call with former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen. As the daughter of former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, her case has put the spotlight on the ongoing struggle within Thai politics.
Details of the Case
Paetongtarn is under scrutiny for allegedly failing to uphold national interests during a June call, during which she referred to Hun Sen as “uncle” and described a Thai military commander as her “opponent”. This sparked outrage among conservative lawmakers, who accused her of undermining the military’s authority—a sensitive issue in Thai politics.
- She was suspended from office as the Constitutional Court investigates her conduct.
- The verdict is expected to be announced in the coming days.
- If found guilty, she could become the third member of the Shinawatra family to be ousted from the premiership.
Political Climate
The political landscape has been tumultuous, marked by a clash between the powerful military-backed elite and the Shinawatra clan, viewed as a threat to the traditional order. The situation worsened following the leaked call, which also intensified tensions between Thailand and Cambodia, leading to deadly military clashes and subsequent fallout.
Thaksin Shinawatra’s Legacy
The machinations of the Shinawatra family do not end with Paetongtarn. Thaksin Shinawatra, her father, recently faced a royal insult case stemming from a past media interview during his years in self-imposed exile. Despite being politically active and considered a key influence behind the ruling Pheu Thai party, Thaksin continues to navigate the treacherous waters of Thai politics, having returned to Thailand in 2023 under controversial circumstances.
As Thailand’s economy grapples with slow growth and high household debt, the outcome of this political saga may have lasting impacts. Whatever the court’s verdict, it seems that the Shinawatra family’s influence in Thai politics remains a double-edged sword.