Analysis Judicial Suspension Threatens Shinawatra-Linked Prime Ministers

[webfact]

Left to right: Samak Sundaravej, Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, Srettha Thavisin, and Paetongtarn Shinawatra. | Picture courtesy of THai PBS World

 

ANALYSIS

 

The Constitutional Court has struck again, suspending Paetongtarn Shinawatra, marking yet another dramatic intervention in Thai politics.

 

This comes amidst allegations of breaching ministerial ethics, as a leaked phone call with Cambodia’s former PM Hun Sen caused a stir. This suspension resonates with past high-profile cases involving former PMs under the Shinawatra name.

 

In 2022, General Prayut Chan-o-cha faced a similar suspension over term limits but returned to power. On the other hand, Srettha Thavisin, Paetongtarn's predecessor, was initially allowed to continue until ethical breaches led to his removal.

 

These instances underscore the judiciary's powerful influence over even the most electorally successful governments.

 

Common themes emerge as these legal battles underscore the repeated acceptance of petitions against prime ministers, often spearheaded by senators or opposition MPs.

 

Paetongtarn's case draws attention with her candid phone call calling Hun Sen “uncle” while discussing border tensions, viewed by critics as undermining national sovereignty. The swift court response saw a unanimous decision to accept the case and a 7:2 vote to suspend her.

 

If found guilty, Paetongtarn will join three other Shinawatra-linked leaders ousted since 1997.

 

Notably, her father, Thaksin Shinawatra, survived a similar court ordeal in 2001 over concealed assets, edging out an 8:7 ruling victory.

 

Meanwhile, Samak Sundaravej was ousted in 2008 over a conflict of interest linked to a TV cooking show salary.

 

Yingluck Shinawatra faced a politically charged dismissal in 2014, accused of constitutional breaches during a bureaucratic reshuffle.

 

General Prayut survived multiple court cases in 2022, narrowly avoiding removal for exceeding term limits. Thavisin's removal stemmed from his appointment of a former convict, a move that reflected stringent ethical expectations.

 

This chain of suspensions highlights the ongoing tension between Thailand's judiciary and its political leaders, with implications that likely extend beyond the Shinawatra family.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai PBS World 2025-07-05

 

 

[Artisi]

Oh! What a drama, hopefully the Shin's heed the previous lessons and head for their overseas bolt-hole. 

[Will B Good]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

over even the most electorally successful governments.

 

What???

[Will B Good]

Imagine Thailand without a judiciary to apply the law the politicians themselves write and approve.......sub Thailand for another nation if you wish.

[ikke1959]

10 hours ago, webfact said:

over even the most electorally successful governments.

yes sure, after the votes of millions of Thais were thrown away like nothing and the most suitable PM was being banned... Of course I can win everything if I get rid in an unfair movement of my competitors... It is not democratic what happened, but what to except in a so called democratic country with non democratic laws and rules

[connda]

Helloooooo Dubai (or London). 

[dinsdale]

If anyone doesn't believe that the CC's and the EC's prime directive is to protect, by all means possible, the royalist establishment then they are bat sht crazy. 

[watchcat]

On 7/5/2025 at 3:06 AM, webfact said:

suspending Paetongtarn Shinawatra, marking yet another dramatic intervention in Thai politics.

 

Learningn from daddy,