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.

[hotchilli]

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

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.

I wonder if he's packing his bags right now, I think he's overstayed/over-played his welcome home.

[mfd101]

A new election is the proper course in a well-run democracy. 

 

Thais should at least aspire to a genuine democracy and show their views strongly in the voting. But of course the voting system for the Upper House would need to be changed first ...

 

ie All too hard.

[kingstonkid]

15 hours ago, ronnie50 said:

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.

Before the last coup, there were only two real parties: Dem ( which were the elites) and PTP (which was Thaksin).

The people had never had a long-term military rule.

 

The military government goes by setting its parties and making rules tht hurt the people.

 

The young people and the parties have seen the coup and now do not like it. There is minimal support for the military to take over.

 

I think the people will get what they want, which is a new election.  Do not forget that at this point, the rich still control what gets passed, not with the Senate.

 

My only question is will the PTP as it stands, be allowed to run in a new election?  I think it will, but again, I think unless they are going to bring out one of his grandkids, the Shin family ruling is finished now; it will have to be a true puppet.

 

The one thing that will not be talked about or words that will be banned in the People's party are Lese Majeste.  

 

It should be an interesting summer with all the students back in the city; it will be easy for groups to set up protests.

  

[Andycoops]

26 minutes ago, mfd101 said:

A new election is the proper course in a well-run democracy. 

 

Thais should at least aspire to a genuine democracy and show their views strongly in the voting. But of course the voting system for the Upper House would need to be changed first ...

 

ie All too hard.

The elites and military don't understand the word democracy.

[crazykopite]

She’s just the puppet  it’s pa pa who dictates to her what to do and say to be honest if the next coup is as peaceful as the last one then o problems at least everyone knew what was going on this government is a total shambles 

[soalbundy]

16 hours ago, ronnie50 said:

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.

I think coups are so 'yesterday' Thailand is more entrenched in international politics and trade these days, a coup would be financial bad news, especially for tourism.

[AustinRacing]

The usual path of successful people is

1) talent/intelligence 

2) hard word/perseverance 

3) fame/fortune

when rich kids are gifted 3, some think they also possess 1&2. This girl falls into this category. However most end up screwing up be it blowing the fortune or unable to perform up to the expectations. 

[xtrnuno41]

You should not have a military party in a government. NOT ever.

For now military back off and wait. 

How phone call can be leaked? Cambodia recorded it? Thai intelligence(probably also military) did for military?

Is Pegasus running in Thailand? In hands of military?

Why are the two beside her, are smirking? Do they know more.

For a newcomer PM this is not really an easy thing, wish her strength and wisdom.

Both countries will loose a lot, but mostly Thailand, as with higher rates of tourism.

Maybe Cambodia is jealous?

Leaders of nations are nuts, every country, is shown every time. 

[Wongkitlo]

I don't particularly like her but she was only saying what was obvious. The military are a seperate power to the government and unable to be controlled by the government.