Politics Thai PM Faces Political Crisis After Instagram Post and Leaked Call

[snoop1130]

Picture courtesy of MCOT

 

Thailand's Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, is navigating a severe political crisis following a controversial Instagram post and the fallout from a leaked phone conversation with former Cambodian President Hun Sen.

 

The Instagram story, posted at 8am on June 19, cryptically read: "People are not pretending to be sad, but pretending to be okay." Though quickly deleted, the post came on the heels of a leaked call that has shaken her leadership.

 

In the conversation, Paetongtarn referred to a top Thai army commander as her "opponent," sparking outrage, particularly among military and royalist circles. This incident prompted the Bhumjaithai Party, a crucial coalition partner, to exit the government, citing the remarks as damaging to national pride and military dignity.

 

With Bhumjaithai's 69 MPs gone, the coalition government is on the brink of collapse. The conservative Palang Pracharath Party, led by General Prawit Wongsuwan, a prominent figure in past military interventions, has demanded her resignation, accusing her of weakening the nation.

 

The impact of the call has also led to emergency meetings among other coalition partners, including the United Thai Nation and the Democrat Party, to discuss their future in the alliance. If any further parties leave, Paetongtarn could be ousted, potentially triggering another election merely two years after the last.

 

Picture of Thai PM’s Instagram quote courtesy of Amarin TV

 

The opposition, led by Thai Sang Thai, has also called for her resignation, arguing that her actions compromised national sovereignty and highlighted her political inexperience.

 

The crisis is particularly significant considering the Shinawatra family’s history with political turmoil. Both her aunt Yingluck and father Thaksin were previously ousted by military coups. Thaksin himself recently returned to Thailand after 15 years in exile, coinciding with the Pheu Thai Party's return to power through a contentious agreement with pro-military factions.

 

However, this uneasy coalition has rapidly deteriorated, exacerbated by recent internal conflicts, including disputes over key ministerial positions.

 

Paetongtarn, who took office in August 2024 after the court-ordered removal of former PM Srettha Thavisin, now faces a precarious situation. As talk of another coup emerges, the political future of Thailand hangs in the balance, and the legacy of the Shinawatra family faces another potential upheaval in the country’s turbulent political landscape.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-06-19

 

 

[hotsun]

Oh no not an instagram post. Everyone get ready for defcon 1

[ronnie50]

The tiny minroity 'hidden hands' that run everything in Thailand (for their own benefit) won't allow her to dissolve Parliament and call an election. They're afraid the progressive People's Party (Move Forward) that won most seats last time, could sweep into a majority win this time. If she does dissolve Parliament, and election is automatically triggered, the chances of a coup before the election are extremely high to prevent the progressives from winning power (a bit like the coup they launched immediately after Yingluck's party won a majority some years ago, precceded by the ugly yellow shirt events). Old fashioned military take downs. Nothing changes - the tiny rich minority/oligarchs don't even bat an eye. It's all done for them - as always.