Picture courtesy of Thai Newsroom

 

In a potentially dramatic political manoeuvre, Thaksin Shinawatra could soon tell his daughter, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, to resign. Facing significant legal challenges and currently suspended by Thailand's Constitutional Court, Paetongtarn's political future hangs in the balance. Thammasat University law lecturer Prinya Thaewanarumitkul suggests that Thaksin, a dominant figure in Thai politics, might see resignation as her best option to avoid further reputational damage.

 

Paetongtarn faces accusations related to alleged misconduct over Thai-Cambodian border issues. Despite Thaksin’s insistence on her innocence, a pending court verdict could potentially end her tenure. Thaksin, however, is known for his strategic prowess and might still influence the appointment of her successor, preserving his influence over the Pheu Thai Party.

 

Prinya, a respected legal academic, has advised Thaksin to step in before the court ruling, arguing that a guilty verdict would severely harm not only Paetongtarn's career but also the standing of the Pheu Thai Party. The allegations, stemming from a purportedly leaked conversation with Cambodia's Hun Sen, have raised serious concerns about national integrity and prestige.

 

If Paetongtarn resigns, Thaksin could again play a pivotal role in selecting the next prime minister, similar to his previous orchestrations. Options include former candidate Chaikasem Nitisiri or others, such as Srettha Thavisin, who became prime minister in 2023.

 

This political shuffle could see a new interim leader managing pressing issues, including finalising the 2026 budget and addressing US import tariffs set to start soon, not to mention the ongoing tensions with Cambodia. Thaksin's continued involvement could ensure the Pheu Thai Party's dominance, but it also leaves open the possibility of other parties stepping in, like Bhumjaithai under Newin Chidchob.

 

Should a new prime minister be appointed, they might hold office temporarily before calling a general election later this year. This development could significantly shape Thailand's political landscape, keeping both domestic and international observers on alert.

 

Ultimately, Thaksin's decision could stabilise or further complicate the current political scenario, making Thailand's political future more uncertain than ever. The coming months are poised to be a critical period for the Shinawatra family and the Pheu Thai Party, as key decisions unfold.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai Newsroom 2025-07-11

 

 

 

Thaksin could again play a pivotal role in selecting the next prime minister

I am so glad that he pulled out of politics, imagine if he had stayed active. 😶

 

 

1 hour ago, Bert got kinky said:

 

Thaksin could again play a pivotal role in selecting the next prime minister

I am so glad that he pulled out of politics, imagine if he had stayed active. 😶

 

 

Or just spent his time with the grandkids as he was so keen to bull💩 about. 

1 hour ago, Artisi said:

Or just spent his time with the grandkids as he was so keen to bull💩 about. 

 

No doubt thaksin will decide who will be next PM and no doubt he would like the person to be a shin family member.

 

But the only thaksin child not yet held the PM chair is the son. But he has behavioral baggage, he's been involved in collusion (advertising contracts for MRT trains / stations and more), he got dismissed for cheating in exams at 2 Thai unis, and he's not that bright.

 

But can't help but wonder if Thaksin would now go for an inexperienced nephew or niece for the PM position.

 

We wait and see. 

My god he's such an a hole. 

12 minutes ago, scorecard said:

 

No doubt thaksin will decide who will be next PM and no doubt he would like the person to be a shin family member.

 

But the only thaksin child not yet held the PM chair is the son. But he has behavioral baggage, he's been involved in collusion (advertising contracts for MRT trains / stations and more), he got dismissed for cheating in exams at 2 Thai unis, and he's not that bright.

 

But can't help but wonder if Thaksin would now go for an inexperienced nephew or niece for the PM position.

 

We wait and see. 

He has another daughter but I don't think she's interested in politics.

No, there's no immediate family suitable, my money would be on Sretta but can he be installed again, having been banned once in this Parliament?

On 7/11/2025 at 6:25 PM, scorecard said:

 

No doubt thaksin will decide who will be next PM and no doubt he would like the person to be a shin family member.

 

But the only thaksin child not yet held the PM chair is the son. But he has behavioral baggage, he's been involved in collusion (advertising contracts for MRT trains / stations and more), he got dismissed for cheating in exams at 2 Thai unis, and he's not that bright.

 

But can't help but wonder if Thaksin would now go for an inexperienced nephew or niece for the PM position.

 

We wait and see. 

He sounds ideal.

How about Hun Sen...I think he is retired now in Cambodia....

 

 

 

On 7/11/2025 at 6:39 PM, bannork said:

He has another daughter but I don't think she's interested in politics.

No, there's no immediate family suitable, my money would be on Sretta but can he be installed again, having been banned once in this Parliament?

Interesting but I wonder if Sretta would be interested considring that He was basically thrown out like a stale beer. Plus his performance when he was in the PM chair was way less than remarkable.

On 7/11/2025 at 6:39 PM, bannork said:

He has another daughter but I don't think she's interested in politics.

No, there's no immediate family suitable, my money would be on Sretta but can he be installed again, having been banned once in this Parliament?

Not having any interest in politics isn't a problem as Thaksin will deal with that, and someone needs to look after his grandchildren. Yingluck had no profile in politics, but she was still PM.

I wouldn't rule out Thaksin himself finding a way in either.

JUST IN: National Anti-Corruption Commission to launch probe into allegations of "serious ethical breach" by suspended PM

over her conduct in the leaked phone call with Cambodia's Hun Sen. This is a separate case from the Constitutional Court over the same matter.

 

https://x.com/SaksithCNA/status/1944673141231591572