Politics Thai PM Paetongtarn Faces Dilemma Over Compensation Order

[webfact]

Composite courtesy of Daily News

In a complex political situation, Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra must decide whether to enforce a court ruling that her aunt, former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, pay 10 billion baht in compensation. If she fails to act, it could lead to allegations of neglect of duty.

 

Rumours circulated that Thaksin Shinawatra, another former PM, had left the country. However, Paetongtarn assured the public that he remains in Thailand.

 

Questions have emerged about her recent trip to the UK, with speculation suggesting it might relate to Thaksin's affairs. Paetongtarn dismissed these claims, stating her visit was for her children's schooling.

 

On 27th May, Thaksin is scheduled to deliver a speech on "Transnational Crime and Drug Challenges" in his first public appearance in weeks. This follows a Supreme Administrative Court ruling that holds Yingluck responsible for losses from the rice pledging scheme.

 

Opposition party leaders question the government's stance on drug policies and express concerns about Paetongtarn's leadership, fearing her actions are overshadowed by Thaksin.

 

They urge the current administration to clarify its drug strategy beyond past controversial measures, particularly criticised by the international community.

 

As Thailand's parliament prepares for a special session to discuss the national budget, the political focus is on whether the Senate will approve crucial appointments against the backdrop of ongoing controversies.

 

The responsibilities now rest heavily on Prime Minister Paetongtarn, as she must issue new orders per the court's decision, potentially facing legal challenges if she doesn’t act promptly.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Daily News 2025-05-27

 

 

[ozz1]

Maybe the wheels are starting to fall of the shin family or they are out of favour someone high up this is Thailand

[JoePai]

stating her visit was for her children's schooling

 

So Thai schools not good enough ?

[Artisi]

22 minutes ago, JoePai said:

stating her visit was for her children's schooling

 

So Thai schools not good enough ?

Are they? 

[KannikaP]

46 minutes ago, webfact said:

stating her visit was for her children's schooling

Last week, before she went, it was to promote Thai food in some obscure town. And to stop off in Monaco to negotiate the Thai Grand Prix next century. No mention of her kids.

[Geoffggi]

Always going to be conflicts of interest when the Shinawatra Dynasty treat the country as a family run business, definitely time for a change and the Shinawatra's put out to graze ...............

[anchadian]

From May 23, 2025 in the UK



 

[crazykopite]

The PMs story changes every time she is asked a question there is no doubt the trip to London was to meet up with her sister and no doubt discuss the courts findings I dont understand why the final decision comes down to the PM the court has dished out the punishment and that should be the way 

[Presnock]

23 hours ago, JoePai said:

stating her visit was for her children's schooling

 

So Thai schools not good enough ?

 

23 hours ago, JoePai said:

stating her visit was for her children's schooling

 

So Thai schools not good enough ?

I would have thought that there is nothing to question here based on  experience and past comments on local schools.   I also recognize that there are many international schools of good quality here also but if one can afford it then I do believe that sending one to a foreign country would depend on what country and what home support the student would have while there.  too many questions to really provide any criticism of the pm.

[newbee2022]

10 M will not kill the clan. Just a dent in their assets.

So I expect Paetongtarn to act as required. With gritted teeth probably. 🥰

[thesetat]

The PM really has no choice in this. If she does not support the courts ruling then there will be protests and an end to her career. However, i think that the Thaksin family will find a way to subvert paying most of that money if not all even if it means emptying her bank accounts in Thailand to show she can not pay. 

 

[FlorC]

6 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

10 M will not kill the clan. Just a dent in their assets.

So I expect Paetongtarn to act as required. With gritted teeth probably. 🥰

10 B 

[newbee2022]

1 minute ago, FlorC said:

10 B 

Yes, 10 B, thanks to correct me.

[cedel]

48 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

10 M will not kill the clan. Just a dent in their assets.

So I expect Paetongtarn to act as required. With gritted teeth probably. 🥰

10 BILLIONS, not 10 Millions... 😉 

[newbee2022]

4 minutes ago, cedel said:

10 BILLIONS, not 10 Millions... 😉 

Thanks, FlorC corrected it already. 

[kingstonkid]

18 minutes ago, cedel said:

10 BILLIONS, not 10 Millions... 😉 

 

consiering that Mr T only has a networth of 2 Billion this is an issue

[n8sail]

3 minutes ago, kingstonkid said:

 

consiering that Mr T only has a networth of 2 Billion this is an issue

It's 10 Billion Baht.  Teflon Tony is worth more than 65 Billion Baht.

[sambum]

On 5/27/2025 at 9:29 AM, JoePai said:

stating her visit was for her children's schooling

 

So Thai schools not good enough ?

 

Can't have the Shin kids mixing with the locals!

[sambum]

She could always sentence her to a few months jail at the Police Hospital instead of having to pay the fine?

[hotchilli]

On 5/27/2025 at 9:08 AM, webfact said:

Questions have emerged about her recent trip to the UK, with speculation suggesting it might relate to Thaksin's affairs. Paetongtarn dismissed these claims, stating her visit was for her children's schooling.

Thailands education system not good enough for her kids, or is she getting ready for a future relocation plan with daddy?

[AustinRacing]

Isn’t this against the law to travel abroad on government expenses to look for schools for her kids. In a related matter it shows she has no trust in her education department. 

[bkk_mike]

37 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

Thailands education system not good enough for her kids, or is she getting ready for a future relocation plan with daddy?

Rich Thais tend to stick their kids into International schools. It means they have  good enough English to go to Universities in the UK, USA or Australia. It also means they have qualifications to enter without having to do a foundation year (required for students with a Thai education).

 

Admittedly, it often means their Thai isn't always up to the standard required for the better Thai universities.

[renaissanc]

I think the Shinawatras will find a way to bring her back without paying the fine. They'll find some judges who love to receive pastry boxes full of goodies.

[Dr B]

1 hour ago, bkk_mike said:

Rich Thais tend to stick their kids into International schools. It means they have  good enough English to go to Universities in the UK, USA or Australia. It also means they have qualifications to enter without having to do a foundation year (required for students with a Thai education).

 

Admittedly, it often means their Thai isn't always up to the standard required for the better Thai universities.

Wealthy families sending their children to one of the many international schools in Thailand is one thing. A Prime Minister sending a 4 year old and a 2 year old to be educated in England is quite another. It certainly seems that the Prime Minister has significant misconceptions with regard to truth. With regard to her father's infamous stay in the Police Hospital, she was quoted at the time as saying that he had a shoulder operation. A few weeks ago, in reposnse to the Medical Council annoucements, she suddenly came up with "he had Covid"! Now we have a visit paid for by the Government to promote food trade and soft power, maybe also promoting an F1 event in Thailand, but really to do with her children's education. 

[Sydebolle]

"... Paetongtarn stated her visit was for her children's schooling."

So I take it that the entire trip was paid out of her own pocket. Wondering now, what was all that ranigaxoo related to Monaco, apart from the photo-op with HSH Prince Albert. A populistic stage show for car racing or a study trip on casinos? 

[scorecard]

On 5/27/2025 at 9:08 AM, webfact said:

Composite courtesy of Daily News

In a complex political situation, Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra must decide whether to enforce a court ruling that her aunt, former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, pay 10 billion baht in compensation. If she fails to act, it could lead to allegations of neglect of duty.

 

Rumours circulated that Thaksin Shinawatra, another former PM, had left the country. However, Paetongtarn assured the public that he remains in Thailand.

 

Questions have emerged about her recent trip to the UK, with speculation suggesting it might relate to Thaksin's affairs. Paetongtarn dismissed these claims, stating her visit was for her children's schooling.

 

On 27th May, Thaksin is scheduled to deliver a speech on "Transnational Crime and Drug Challenges" in his first public appearance in weeks. This follows a Supreme Administrative Court ruling that holds Yingluck responsible for losses from the rice pledging scheme.

 

Opposition party leaders question the government's stance on drug policies and express concerns about Paetongtarn's leadership, fearing her actions are overshadowed by Thaksin.

 

They urge the current administration to clarify its drug strategy beyond past controversial measures, particularly criticised by the international community.

 

As Thailand's parliament prepares for a special session to discuss the national budget, the political focus is on whether the Senate will approve crucial appointments against the backdrop of ongoing controversies.

 

The responsibilities now rest heavily on Prime Minister Paetongtarn, as she must issue new orders per the court's decision, potentially facing legal challenges if she doesn’t act promptly.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Daily News 2025-05-27

 

 

 

Is it true that the PM can override the legal decisions of a senior Thai court? I hope not?

[Caldera]

On 5/27/2025 at 9:08 AM, webfact said:

In a complex political situation, Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra must decide whether to enforce a court ruling that her aunt, former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, pay 10 billion baht in compensation. If she fails to act, it could lead to allegations of neglect of duty.

 

Not like she's been put into that situation by accident.

 

Depending on which side of the divide you sympathize with, you can choose how to read this, and both would be correct. 

[kiwikeith]

On 5/27/2025 at 9:56 AM, KannikaP said:

Last week, before she went, it was to promote Thai food in some obscure town. And to stop off in Monaco to negotiate the Thai Grand Prix next century. No mention of her kids.

They were on the list