Politics Storm Brewing: Elite Powers Disenchanted with PM Paetongtarn’s Reign

[webfact]

Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra gestures as she attends the plenary session at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Monday, May 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

 

THAILAND – Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra faces formidable criticism from high-ranking power brokers dissatisfied with her leadership. Dubbed a mere "puppet" of her influential father, Thaksin Shinawatra, Paetongtarn’s tenure is now under siege, as academic Pornchai Theppanya voices concerns over her unfitness to govern.

 

The noted former dean of Ramkhamhaeng University’s Political Science Faculty suggests a leadership change may loom on the horizon.

 

Despite leading for nine months following Srettha Thavisin, Paetongtarn’s performance reportedly fails to impress crucial influencers, including those instrumental in Thaksin’s exonerated return from self-exile.

 

Allegedly, Thaksin’s comeback was sealed with a "secret deal" ensuring his legal freedom, but not without strings attached. The fact that the academic has refrained from identifying a prospective replacement doesn’t diminish the palpable tension within political circles.

 

Complicating matters further, Paetongtarn’s purported plans to dissolve the House of Representatives for a general election face staunch opposition from within the corridors of power.

 

This strong-arm vigil to maintain the status quo echoes further with disagreements on ejecting the conservative Bhumjaithai Party, led by Newin Chidchob, from the ruling coalition. This inter-party unrest emphasises unresolved conflicts and underscores Paetongtarn's precarious position.

 

Meanwhile, as Thaksin manoeuvres through his legal predicaments, speculation mounts over whether Paetongtarn will cede her position willingly or under pressure.

 

The political chessboard also features Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai faction. Anutin's political ambitions for the 2027 general elections cast another layer of intrigue in this unfolding drama.

 

Ultimately, whether or not Paetongtarn can withstand these pressures remains a pressing question. Her leadership is not only tested by external scepticism but also by the intricate dynamics of coalition politics.

 

In an environment where whispers carry weight and alliances flicker as quickly as candles, the scene is set for a potentially monumental shift in Thailand’s governance. The country watches closely as this high-stakes political challenge evolves.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai Newsroom 2025-05-29

 

 

[dinsdale]

What reign. It's all Thaksin.

[ikke1959]

It was kown from the beginning that she was unfit for this job.. But the deal was made so that THaksin could rule and use his power through her

[JoePai]

It's taken them this long to realise that    🤣

[connda]

She's nothing more that Daddy's proxy for Thai political power.  In and of herself, she's not much. If Daddy goes, she won't be far behind. 

[connda]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

The political chessboard also features Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai faction. Anutin's political ambitions for the upcoming 2023 general elections cast another layer of intrigue in this unfolding drama.

Regardless of what I think of him, as a political player, Anutin is more PM material then the current Shin proxy. 

[daveAustin]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

Complicating matters further, Paetongtarn’s purported plans to dissolve the House of Representatives for a general election

If that came off and you know who won would guarantee a coup, no?

[FlorC]

14 hours ago, connda said:

Regardless of what I think of him, as a political player, Anutin is more PM material then the current Shin proxy. 

No , as a health minister in the covid years he proved to be 

a danger .

[blaze master]

I love the smell of a coupl in the morning. 

[redwood1]

For crying out loud  you could just pull some random person off the street and I bet they would be a better PM.....She has zero going for her as far as being a PM, except for being Daddy's girl..

[mfd101]

34 minutes ago, FlorC said:

15 hours ago, connda said:

Regardless of what I think of him, as a political player, Anutin is more PM material then the current Shin proxy. 

No , as a health minister in the covid years he proved to be 

a danger .

Yes, there's a difference between 'politics' (A+) and 'policy' (D-).

[ronster]

Has she actually done anything of note since taking over ???

[The Alien]

Thaksin exploited everyone around him, including his own sister and daughter. Nevertheless, there seems to be an endless supply of suckers willing to be his victim.

[spidermike007]

It's always been known that she's a neophyte, that she's highly unqualified for the job and she's only there for two reasons. Number one the highly toxic and spectacularly corrupt army made a deal with Thaksin for him to be able to return, he then subsequently made a deal to have his daughter installed, after the duly elected PM was thrown under the bus.

 

Number two they wanted to put forth a youthful face because they knew that the populace wanted somebody youthful and progressive to lead, however she's the antithesis of progressive, she's a youthful dinosaur and a useless PM. 

 

 

[Andycoops]

While the real winners of the election were set up by the so called elites because they couldn't stand the fact the the citizens voted them out for taking part in a illegal military government and they were subsequently dissolved as a party despite a overwhelming victory, thereby disenfranchising millions of voters.

And they wonder why nobody wants them and their squabbling coalition.

[Ironmike]

I seem to remember the the young man that was voted into her job by 99% of Thailand and for once the Thai people were unified until Taksin raised his ugly head again and not do a single day in real prison but instead he lied ( go figure) and now his stupid daughter is running the country into the ground so that Taksin can pad his bank accounts with more money,, Thailand needs to lock him up before he flees Again 

[Digitalbanana]

16 hours ago, dinsdale said:

What reign.

Perhaps a Freudian slip by the content creator? The term "reign" is generally associated with monarchs or authoritarian rulers, implying a prolonged, sovereign rule. For a democratically elected prime minister like Paetongtarn, "tenure," "leadership," or "term" would be more accurate, as "reign" inaccurately suggests non-democratic or hereditary rule. The title is thus poorly worded.

[newbee2022]

Don't worry.

Thailand is a very solid democracy.

Soon the barrack's gates will open and deploy their soldiers to defend democracy if necessary. 👍

[Thingamabob]

Always worth remembering that the Shinawatras have been sometimes tolerated but never liked by the higher echelons of Thai society.

[Patong2021]

The solution would be to  allow Pita to run for office, but the vested interests are terrified of an honest man with integrity.

[tomazbodner]

In Thailand it's all respect for parents... washing their feet, etc. How could good daughter disrespect wisdom of her father, no matter his past?

Obviously she does what papa tells her to say, she does what papa tells her to do. And while it's sad that she puts family ahead of the country, that's what you can see with most politicians (and others) the World over.

Would be great to see someone with integrity in power who puts country and people first. But I think there will be a very long wait for that...

[paul1804]

16 hours ago, connda said:

Regardless of what I think of him, as a political player, Anutin is more PM material then the current Shin proxy. 

You have a short memory!

[kingstonkid]

17 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

It was kown from the beginning that she was unfit for this job.. But the deal was made so that THaksin could rule and use his power through her

 

I agree to a certain extent BUT I think the idea was for him to do it quietly and not piss off the Elite or do things that would cause difficulties like the hospital.

 

Ithink and I have no real knowledge tht the idea was that they would bring him back on the conditon that if he ws going to rule PTP he might as well do it from here versus outside the country.  Tht he would come back here serve his prison time.  Possibly in jail for a few months then move to house arrest 

 

The PTP threw a monkey wrench into it by getting his prison sentence reduced.  The Thaksin started doing with what he does best, flouting the agreement and being mouthy. Knowing that the Elite did not have a backup if he went too far.

 

Now tht the country is as always happens when PTP is in charge isin trouble financially and Thaksin is againon his way to jail or worse still, the deal coming out in public, they need to muzzle him and remove the PTP from power.

 

There is no way a coalition survives if you have the PP and BJT on the outside looking in.

 

PP 151

PTP 141

BJT  71

military elite 56

DEM 25

 

If Thaksin keeps power and BJT leaves, then his coalition will be useless. There is no way the Military Elite is going to help him, and the Democrats, which are the elite, will definitely go where they are told and where they can get the most.

 

Remember, Thaksin just took the government support away from BJT for the Buriram MotoGP and now wants to take that money and build his own F1 track.

 

 

[jippytum]

More academics are now critical of the Thaksin dynasty and the pressure for change is mounting. 

 The Thai love affair with Thaksin's lies legal manipulation  and insatiable quest for personal publicity is wearing thin. 

[sambum]

2 hours ago, FlorC said:

No , as a health minister in the covid years he proved to be 

a danger .

 

Agreed - and he is as shallow as a river bed in summer. I know it probably applies to a lot of politicians, but Anutin is more of a businessman, and it's all about "me,me,me" with his agendas. He has made quite a few gaffes in the past, and the thought of A Nut In charge of the country makes me shudder, as his thoughts on "dirty unwashed farangs" are common knowledge, and he would be trying to make life even more awkward for ex pats.

[klauskunkel]

18 hours ago, webfact said:

Dubbed a mere "puppet" of her influential father

How did they ever notice? It was so very well hidden!

[ronnie50]

1 hour ago, Andycoops said:

While the real winners of the election were set up by the so called elites because they couldn't stand the fact the the citizens voted them out for taking part in a illegal military government and they were subsequently dissolved as a party despite a overwhelming victory, thereby disenfranchising millions of voters.

And they wonder why nobody wants them and their squabbling coalition.

She should call an election. But I wonder if the hidden hands would allow that (if she did would there be a coup, because the 'troika' that run the country for themselves are afraid of the outcome..)

[watchcat]

2 hours ago, redwood1 said:

She has zero going for her as far as being a PM, except for being Daddy's girl..

 

And herein lies the problem for Thaksin, he can't let the puppet go.

 

[Bruce Aussie]

18 hours ago, dinsdale said:

What reign. It's all Thaksin.

God they are slow, just worked out she a puppet.😀

[watchcat]

18 hours ago, dinsdale said:

What reign. It's all Thaksin.

 

Yes, but can he do it himseself?