Politics Thaksin Plays Power Card to Keep Paetongtarn in Place

[webfact]

In this photo released by The Government Spokesman Office, Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, talks to Commander of the 2nd Army Area Lieutenant General Boonsin Padklang, left during a meeting with soldiers in Ubonratchathani province, northeast of Bangkok, Friday, June 20, 2025. (Government Spokesman Office via AP)

 

Thailand's former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is manoeuvring to keep his daughter Paetongtarn in the prime ministerial seat until the crucial 2026 government budget bill gets its final nod in August.

 

A partisan source revealed over the weekend that Thaksin has strategically delayed her possible resignation amidst mounting pressure linked to her controversial management of the Thai-Cambodian dispute.

 

During a discreet meeting at Thaksin's residence, the political titan informed Ruam Thai Sang Chart's leader, Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, that his daughter would not bow out before the 3.78 trillion baht (approximately 143 billion USD) budget gains parliamentary approval.

 

Despite Pirapan's insistence on Paetongtarn’s resignation, following the departure of Bhumjaithai from the coalition, Thaksin proposed her extended stay until August’s key legislative conclusion.

 

Anticipating future political shifts, Thaksin is reportedly orchestrating a new cabinet composition. This reshuffle would see the ultra-conservative Ruam Thai Sang Chart rise to the second-largest coalition spot after Pheu Thai, replacing Bhumjaithai, who left the government coalition.

 

The new cabinet is expected to fill eight ministerial vacancies in critical areas such as the interior and education sectors, distributing roles amongst Pheu Thai, Pirapan’s members, and other allies.

 

Despite the changes, a twist comes with Bhumjaithai’s leader, Newin Chidchob, offering an opening. In an unexpected suggestion, Bhumjaithai MPs could lend their votes to Ruam Thai Sang Chart’s Pirapan for the prime minister role, should Thaksin agree to Paetongtarn’s resignation.

 

This political chess game underscores Thaksin's intricate web of influence and the high stakes surrounding the finalisation of the 2026 budget.

 

The unfolding events highlight a persistent tension in Thai politics, with Thaksin's decisive influence continuing to navigate the nation's power dynamics as the August budget deadline looms.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai Newsroom 2025-06-22

 

 

 

[lordgrinz]

Thaksin demands this, Thaksin demands that, Thaksin plays Power Card.......Exactly who is running the government?

[davb]

What does "ultra-conservative" mean?

[Jim Blue]

5 minutes ago, davb said:

What does "ultra-conservative" mean?

Blue blood ?

[redwood1]

This sounds like Tony has his snout deeply in the 2026 budget bill and wants to make sure his payday comes through...

[Geoffggi]

I would love to know exactly what Thaksin has over the whole on the government, everyone appears to $hit scared of upsetting him, it really is disturbing the amount control he has over legitimate government officials. None appear to have a pair !!!!

[Artisi]

2 hours ago, lordgrinz said:

Thaksin demands this, Thaksin demands that, Thaksin plays Power Card.......Exactly who is running the government?

Thaksin 

[bannork]

1 hour ago, Geoffggi said:

I would love to know exactly what Thaksin has over the whole on the government, everyone appears to $hit scared of upsetting him, it really is disturbing the amount control he has over legitimate government officials. None appear to have a pair !!!!

Do some research on why a man who was the arch enemy of the conservative elite in Thailand was allowed back. It may explain his influence.

 

 

 

[hotandsticky]

4 minutes ago, Artisi said:

Thaksin 

 

 

Thaksin rak Thaksin

[ikke1959]

Thaksin is the real culprit... Nobody can get rid of this man, but maybe he is not in the country anymore... He was quiet for many days now, and of course he will do everything for his family instead of so called doing it for the country's sake... He own wallet is the most important... If they were working for the country and the Thai people the PM should step down immediately, but the longer it takes, the more Pheu Thai and the Thaksin will loose credibility and support

[blaze master]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

Thailand's former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra

 

Former ?

[TroubleandGrumpy]

I think many posters and the media are focusing too hard on one person - the real culprits are those behind that one man and his daughter.  Thaksin 'represents' the uber wealthy Chinese families that dominate Thailand with regards to political, business, industrial and government operations.  Han Sen was the Dictator in charge of Cambodia for decades and is now the Senate Head - he is a member of the uber wealthy Chinese ethnic families that also do the same in Cambodia.  He is like an 'Uncle' to the current PM in more than name - he is a very close to Thaksin and has been for decades.  That is who the anger and distain should be pointing - the wealthy Chinese families that run Thailand (and Cambodia) - not to one man who they can and will replace as and when they need - just like they did with Srettha.

 

Whoever was the staffer in Cambodia that leaked that phone call will never be found.  IMO they are already feeding the fish deep down in the Gulf of Thailand. 

[BLMFem]

30 minutes ago, TroubleandGrumpy said:

I think many posters and the media are focusing too hard on one person - the real culprits are those behind that one man and his daughter.  Thaksin 'represents' the uber wealthy Chinese families that dominate Thailand with regards to political, business, industrial and government operations.  Han Sen was the Dictator in charge of Cambodia for decades and is now the Senate Head - he is a member of the uber wealthy Chinese ethnic families that also do the same in Cambodia.  He is like an 'Uncle' to the current PM in more than name - he is a very close to Thaksin and has been for decades.  That is who the anger and distain should be pointing - the wealthy Chinese families that run Thailand (and Cambodia) - not to one man who they can and will replace as and when they need - just like they did with Srettha.

 

Whoever was the staffer in Cambodia that leaked that phone call will never be found.  IMO they are already feeding the fish deep down in the Gulf of Thailand. 

That audio was leaked intentionally. You don't spread the recording to 80 people thinking no one would leak it. Hun Sen isn't that stupid.