Politics Pheu Thai Party Pushes 6-Month Postponement for Paetongtarn​​​​​

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Protesters waving Thailand flags gather at Victory Monument demanding Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra resign in Bangkok, Thailand, Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Tadchakorn Kitchaiphon)

 

The Pheu Thai Party is urging the Constitutional Court to delay its verdict on the suspension of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra due to a leaked phone call with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen.

 

The party argues that pressing national issues like border crises and tariffs demand a decisive leader, not an acting one. They propose a six-month postponement until these matters are stabilised.

 

PHeu Thai list MP Cherdchai Tantisirin emphasised that the current challenges facing the country require Paetongtarn’s leadership. HHe hinted that if the court rules against her, Chaikasem Nitisiri is prepared to step up with the party’s support. If obstacles arise regarding his nomination, dissolving parliament remains a final resort.

 

As political tension escalated, Paetongtarn participated in a merit-making event at Sanam Luang to mark Queen Sirikit’s birthday. Facing the press, she expressed affection but stayed tight-lipped about any resignation rumours that might precede the court's decision.

 

Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong, also Pheu Thai's secretary-general, dismissed rumours of Paetongtarn's resignation following the 2026 budget passage, reported the Bangkok Post

 

Earlier, her suspension was triggered by a court petition from 36 senators over the leaked conversation. She affirmed the call’s authenticity but maintained it was a diplomatic effort for peace and sovereignty.

 

The Constitutional Court granted Paetongtarn until August 4 to submit her final defence, following a narrow 5–4 vote in favour of the deferment. Yet, the looming decision keeps Thailand’s political scene on edge, with the possibility of significant shifts on the horizon.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-08-13