Politics Ruling Party’s Future in Jeopardy: Pheu Thai Battles Public Discontent

[snoop1130]

File photo for reference only

 

Thailand’s ruling Pheu Thai Party faces an uncertain future, with its popularity plummeting and internal strife compounding an already challenging political landscape. Recent forecasts suggest the party's parliamentary seats may slump below 100 in the upcoming election, spelling potential disaster for one of Thailand’s most influential political forces.

 

Political Turmoil and Discontent

 

The party’s troubles began with the release of a controversial audio clip where Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the Prime Minister, was caught in conversation with Cambodia’s Senate President, Hun Sen. The exchange, where Ms Paetongtarn seemed to cater to Hun Sen's demands and criticised a regional military commander, sparked public outrage. Consequently, a court decision saw Paetongtarn suspended from her duties, further tarnishing Pheu Thai’s reputation.

 

Adding to these woes, the party is heavily criticised for its lack of significant achievements, which has eroded public confidence. The situation is particularly dire in the northeastern stronghold where dissatisfaction grows. Despite holding over 70 seats in the region, MPs feel overlooked, particularly after a recent cabinet reshuffle largely left them without ministerial roles.

 

Chalad Khamchuang’s recent appointment as the second deputy House speaker aims to soothe frayed tempers, yet the measure may be too little, too late. The party's overall support nosedived following the audio scandal, with a Nida Poll showing Paetongtarn’s approval plummeting from 44% to a mere 11%.

 

Concerns Over Party Strategy

 

Within Pheu Thai, there is a growing realisation that the party’s strategy of prioritising expertise over regional representation in cabinet appointments may have backfired. A northeastern MP expressed concern that this approach has weakened the party’s momentum in one of its core electorates. The push for skills-based selection, while commendable, has inadvertently marginalised loyal regional MPs.

 

The anonymous source highlighted the importance of balancing professional qualifications with regional representation, emphasising the value of appointing high-profile ministers from the Northeast to enhance local support and visibility. The recent appointment of an MP from the region as deputy House speaker was a conciliatory gesture to restore prestige and political clout.

 

Thaksin’s Waning Influence

 

Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, once the linchpin of Pheu Thai, now finds his influence waning. His once unwavering support base dwindles as frustration mounts over unmet promises and diminished political clout. Observers note Thaksin’s struggle to adapt his role, contrasting him with figures like Newin Chidchob of the Bhumjaithai Party, who successfully exert influence from the shadows.

 

Thaksin’s recent public appearances intended to rejuvenate the party have instead highlighted its vulnerabilities. With speculation rife that Pheu Thai might drop from its current position as the second-largest party, the stakes have never been higher.

 

The Road Ahead

 

Political analyst Wanwichit Boonprong notes the latest cabinet reshuffle has left many northeastern MPs feeling sidelined. The exclusion of seasoned representatives from ministerial roles in favour of new party-list MPs ignited dissatisfaction, which could drive some to defect ahead of the next election.

 

Furthermore, the Hun Sen audio incident remains a potent political weapon. As elections loom, Pheu Thai must brace for attacks accusing them of compromising national interests, posing a significant challenge to northeastern MPs seeking to rally support.

 

According to predictions, Pheu Thai may not retain even 100 seats nationwide, with the potential loss of 20-30% of MPs in the Northeast. This would mark a staggering decline from their current 141-seat count and signify substantial challenges ahead.

 

Financial Challenges and Future Prospects

 

Financial constraints loom large over Pheu Thai’s campaign efforts. The exodus of MPs is partly driven by the high cost of campaigning without significant financial backing. With the Si Sa Ket by-election on the horizon, the party faces a critical test against its rival, the Bhumjaithai Party. A loss here could trigger further defections, eroding Pheu Thai’s influence in the region.

 

As Thailand enters a period of political flux, Pheu Thai finds itself navigating treacherous waters. The party’s ability to adapt and reform its strategy could determine its future as a major political force in the Kingdom. For now, its path to recovery appears fraught with challenges.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-07-29

 

 

[dyertribe]

I will shed no tears if the current government is voted out at an election … the issue is the use of the courts to rule on charges that seem less than legitimate or even worse, a military coup. 
 

let the people decide who should govern them

[Sir Dude]

This recent spat has all been about Thailand annoying Hun Sen's family structure with their crackdowns on scamming centers and possibly legalizing casinos/gambling, which both will hit Cambodia's revenue stream.... hence the handbags.

The real question is, who actually leaked the conversation between the Thai PM and Hun Sen as it really doesn't serve either side much... they would have just made a shady deal behind closed doors as normal. No, a third party did it, and you have to wonder who might be able to listen in on any conversation anywhere in the world... well, we all know that answer (PRISM/Five-Eyes). I think it goes way deeper than most think... and strangely enough the USS Nimitz is conveniently making a port call at this exact time, and China has been made to look like it has no influence, plus Trump wades in and says "No trade deal without peace" doesn't pass the smell test imo. Go figure.

[Pouatchee]

43 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

The exodus of MPs is partly driven by the high cost of campaigning without significant financial backing

 

taksin's way of doing business. "as long as no one touches my money!"

 

prolly what is causing him ache right now with his casino partner hun sen...

[Artisi]

41 minutes ago, dyertribe said:

I will shed no tears if the current government is voted out at an election … the issue is the use of the courts to rule on charges that seem less than legitimate or even worse, a military coup. 
 

let the people decide who should govern them

they did previously but guess what - they didn't get to power, did they? 

[BrandonJT]

1 hour ago, snoop1130 said:

Within Pheu Thai, there is a growing realisation that the party’s strategy of prioritising expertise over regional representation in cabinet appointments may have backfired.

Excuse me, WHAT?? What expertise are they referring to?  The fact that the Prime Minister's only expertise was having the "correct" last name, which is the same as many other cabinet posts.  Or the fact that they left the Minister of Defense post open, on purpose, as part of other political maneuvering? I've literarily never seen any of their cabinet appointments be based on this so called "expertise."

[ikke1959]

Why is the pic of the suspended PM published?? She only caused damage to the party and the country....The most incapable person of the cabinet

[Gottfrid]

Looking at the picture, I would say that it will take just a bit more than a Wai to fix this mess.

[scorecard]

2 hours ago, BrandonJT said:

Excuse me, WHAT?? What expertise are they referring to?  The fact that the Prime Minister's only expertise was having the "correct" last name, which is the same as many other cabinet posts.  Or the fact that they left the Minister of Defense post open, on purpose, as part of other political maneuvering? I've literarily never seen any of their cabinet appointments be based on this so called "expertise."

... orcapability.

[CallumWK]

4 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

the party's parliamentary seats may slump below 100 in the upcoming election,

 

Is there an upcoming election announced? If so I must have missed it

[Patong2021]

38 minutes ago, CallumWK said:

 

Is there an upcoming election announced? If so I must have missed it

 

Expected June 2027, if there isn't a military coup, or a vote of non confidence, which is becoming likely. 

[BrandonJT]

1 hour ago, CallumWK said:

 

Is there an upcoming election announced? If so I must have missed it

Expectation is that the parliament will be dissolved before too long and snap elections will take place.  One can only hope.