Picture courtesy of Thai Rath

 

In an unprecedented political showdown, Thaksin Shinawatra is reportedly using his considerable influence and resources to protect his daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, from an impending impeachment. The Constitutional Court could potentially remove the court-suspended Prime Minister of Thailand, Paetongtarn, later this month.

 

The charges stem from allegations of treason and ethical breaches related to a controversial phone call with Cambodian leader Hun Sen concerning the sensitive Thai-Cambodian border dispute.

 

Thaksin, a figure with significant financial clout, is reportedly mobilising his resources behind the scenes to maintain his daughter's power. Sources suggest he is engaging in extensive lobbying efforts, targeting key members of Thailand's elite to delay the legal proceedings. The court has postponed the proceedings until August 29, indicating some success in this strategy.

 

The Pheu Thai Party, led unofficially by Thaksin, is reportedly optimistic about the forthcoming decision. Party insiders speculate that the ruling could be close, potentially avoiding dismissal by portraying Paetongtarn's actions as "inadvertent mistakes." During the leaked conversation, Paetongtarn referred to a Thai army general as being “on the opposite side” and expressed a willingness to resolve the border issues, comments for which she later issued a personal apology.

 

Both Thaksin and Paetongtarn are facing significant challenges. Critics have long viewed the Shinawatras as unreliable figures in Thai politics, arguing that their actions could compromise national security.

 

People have expressed concerns about Thailand's territorial integrity, especially in its interactions with Cambodia, which they perceive as excessively accommodating.

 

Simultaneously, Thaksin is facing a lese majeste lawsuit in a separate legal matter. The former prime minister is awaiting a court ruling set for August 22, dealing with his alleged remarks about the monarchy's role in the 2006 coup that ousted him.

 

Though insiders believe that Thaksin may be exonerated due to insufficient evidence, the very existence of this case adds another layer of complexity to an already tense political drama, reported Thai Newsroom.

 

As if these challenges weren't enough, Thaksin is concurrently under scrutiny in yet another lawsuit, with a verdict expected on September 9. This case addresses accusations that Thaksin exploited legal loopholes and feigned illness to avoid serving time in jail, preferring the comfort of a hospital stay.

 

The outcome could range from a full acquittal to a 'house arrest' scenario that might limit his movements but spare him from traditional imprisonment.

 

If the court finds Thaksin guilty, the repercussions could extend beyond him to include senior government officials who might face penalties for alleged complicity in granting him undue privileges. Such a verdict could disrupt the political landscape, putting other figures who are close to Thaksin under increased scrutiny.

 

The legal entanglements involving both Thaksin and Paetongtarn have profound implications for Thailand’s political scene. A dismissal of Paetongtarn would be a significant blow to the Shinawatra legacy.

 

Conversely, a favourable ruling could consolidate their influence and bolster their support base. The decisions pending in August and September could also reshape alliances, shifting the balance of power within Thailand's complicated political framework.

 

While the public waits in anticipation, the outcome of these legal battles remains uncertain. Thaksin's resourcefulness and willingness to utilise his extensive network could potentially give him a competitive advantage.

 

However, the weight of public opinion and judicial verdicts will ultimately dictate the future course of the Shinawatras and their role in Thai politics.

 

These unfolding events make Bangkok the epicentre of a gripping political drama, with consequences that could reverberate beyond Thailand’s borders. As the courts deliberate, the world watches, waiting to see the next chapter in this enduring political saga.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai Newsroom 2025-08-15

 

32 minutes ago, webfact said:

Thaksin, a figure with significant financial clout, is reportedly mobilising his resources

 

Im going to invest in brown envelope companies tonight. 

 

Score.

2 hours ago, webfact said:

Critics have long viewed the Shinawatras as unreliable figures in Thai politics,

 

This is about the only true statement, the Shinawatra Dynasty is unhealthy for Thailand & it needs to be removed.

What a farce its all about money andcorruption just hand out the moneyto get a favourable ruling shows what thai justuce is all about sad really meanwhile normal thais get shafted

More proof that the Shins are a threat to Thailand is not needed anymore.. Charge them for conspiracy and a danger for the country

Can 't the son have a go this time around  !!!

It's interesting now. I'm not sure the brown paper bags are going to do it this time. If I remember correctly it needs 2/3 of the house to bring on an empeachment. I think PP and BJT have the numbers for this. As for the CC protecting PTP I wonder if this will be the case. I'm still thinking manourvering for a miltary coup may be underway.

The only real question is how they end up being removed from power eventually, overwhelming people power with an election result that decimates them, or tanks.

39 minutes ago, Jim Blue said:

Can 't the son have a go this time around  !!!

 

I believe that the family dog is next in line for the throne.

 

This is truly sickening if Paetongtam is re-instated to PM and Thaksin is found not guilty in both his LM and hospital cases.

 

Thailand will not change for the better unless the Shinawatra family are ousted and we all know it.

6 hours ago, dinsdale said:

It's interesting now. I'm not sure the brown paper bags are going to do it this time. If I remember correctly it needs 2/3 of the house to bring on an empeachment. I think PP and BJT have the numbers for this. As for the CC protecting PTP I wonder if this will be the case. I'm still thinking manourvering for a miltary coup may be underway.

FYI BJT have quit the coalition.

10 hours ago, webfact said:

In an unprecedented political showdown, Thaksin Shinawatra is reportedly using his considerable influence and resources to protect his daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, from an impending impeachment.

Of course Daddy is... if she goes he's gone too.

10 hours ago, webfact said:

Thaksin, a figure with significant financial clout,

Sitting on his accumulated billions while the poor rice growers up north are still skint...

but somehow still love him?

10 hours ago, webfact said:

The Pheu Thai Party, led unofficially by Thaksin, is reportedly optimistic about the forthcoming decision. Party insiders speculate that the ruling could be close, potentially avoiding dismissal by portraying Paetongtarn's actions as "inadvertent mistakes."

Well that's a nice little caveat to have up ones sleeve.

10 hours ago, webfact said:

key members of Thailand's elite

YOU let him back in, now YOU deal with it...

Given the fact, that the sweetheart daughter certainly did not make this phone call to Hun Sen without having informed and consulted Daddy before ............ 

The mind boggles; this country is in free fall, botched to the limits and nobody does anything about it - least not the voters who got short changed during the last two elections in such an obvious gobsmacking way ....... 

This guy can’t come to terms that he and his family days in politics are diminishing. He stupidly assumed that his daughter would easily win the election and never considered that another party, the move forward party, would defeat his own party.

His popularity decreased when he sold out to the other parties he once fought in his efforts to thwart the move forward party from taking charge.

He is one of the key elements why the country is in political turmoil. It’s time he faces the consequences for all his BS and is jailed and his families hold on Thailand removed.

Shouldn't he be in jail, blood is thicker than water, like father like daughter maybe they  can get adjoining suites in the  hospital jail

I hope the Court does the right things - sacks the idiot child, and puts Thaksin in jail for 6 months. Not holding my breath though - money can get just about anything here in Thailand. 

Hats off to Thaksin, may he survive and succeed in protecting Paetongtarn Shinawatra from being discharged over a phone call with Camboida's Hun Sen.  The yellow shirts and  the military never missing a chance for a coup, whatever opportunistic form it comes in.  They are the ones should be on trial.

Simultaneously, Thaksin is facing a lese majeste lawsuit in a separate legal matter.........insiders believe that Thaksin may be exonerated due to insufficient evidence.

 

I've just read what he said.....dodgy to say the least.

Unfortunately as we have seen, the people have no say, only the money. 

Den of vipers.

19 minutes ago, LatPhrao said:

Hats off to Thaksin, may he survive and succeed in protecting Paetongtarn Shinawatra from being discharged over a phone call with Camboida's Hun Sen.  The yellow shirts and  the military never missing a chance for a coup, whatever opportunistic form it comes in.  They are the ones should be on trial.

The bold lettering portrays your immaturity.

'Using his considerable influence and resources to protect his daughter'. In other words, bribes all over the place. 

2 minutes ago, Thingamabob said:

Using his considerable influence and resources to protect his daughter'. In other words, bribes all over the place. 

What is surprising is that nowhere in the OP is there expressed the slightest surprise that 'influence & resources' could be used to change a Constitutional Court verdict. The 'article' merely takes such behaviour for granted & unexceptionable.

 

How low has Thailand sunk ... or perhaps it was always there.

The Shins need to permanently move to Dubai or London and never return.

18 minutes ago, Thingamabob said:

'Using his considerable influence and resources to protect his daughter'. In other words, bribes all over the place. 

 

"Thaksin, a figure with significant financial clout, is reportedly mobilising his resources behind the scenes"

 

Yeah, Thaksin loves power. He's so nasty. A pity people easily forget he introduced Thailand's first universal healthcare scheme for poor people, the 30 Baht scheme, Village Funds, the Debt Forgiveness Program, OTOP and the Rural Development Fund. As one farmer told me when asked, the others want to eat the whole cake. Thaksin eats a slice and gives the rest back to the people.

This doesn't mean his corruption should be forgiven, but adds a little balance to the vitriol.

7 hours ago, Bert got kinky said:

 

I believe that the family dog is next in line for the throne.

 

Keeping with tradition, and in the family, the official succession is:

Shinawatra the younger.

Shinawatra the even younger.

Shinawatra the toddler.

Shinawatra the glint in the milkman's eye.