Paetongtarn Shinawatra. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit, File)

 

Thai politics witnesses another shake-up as Paetongtarn Shinawatra plans to step down as Pheu Thai Party leader. The decision, to be announced at the party headquarters, follows the Constitutional Court's ruling that removed her from the prime ministership over ethical breaches related to a leaked conversation with Cambodia's Senate President Hun Sen. While not explicitly stated in regulations, her status could impact the party’s future endorsements.

 

The ruling has sparked discussions regarding the party’s ability to register candidates.es. An internal source revealed, “This is a preventative move to safeguard the party’s future.” Adding to the political drama, current Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul indicated a potential parliamentary dissolution before January 31, 2026.

 

Anutin’s Bhumjaithai Party recently gained traction with by-election wins in Kanchanaburi and Si Sa Ket, further buoyed by strategic reshuffles within Thailand's Interior Ministry. Anutin said that the timing of dissolution remains within his discretion, keeping the media guessing.

 

Paetongtarn’s administration had fuelled tensions by investigating Senate selection anomalies favouring Bhumjaithai's allies. Additionally, legal challenges over land in Buriram linked to the Chidchob family exacerbated the coalition divide. Her removal and father Thaksin Shinawatra’s one-year prison sentence unsettled Pheu Thai’s position, shifting support towards Anutin.

 

In a new political landscape, Bhumjaithai secured a deal with the People’s Party, placing Anutin in a position to lead a minority government with conditions for constitutional amendments. Anutin’s manoeuvres have also attracted politicians from multiple parties, including some from Pheu Thai, thereby strengthening his party’s position.

 

This situation gains further complexity with Democrat Abhisit Vejjajiva’s return as party leader. His appointment, coupled with Anutin’s congratulatory gesture, recalls historical alliances between their factions and hints at future cooperation.

 

Pheu Thai has announced internal changes to bolster its policy proposals and organisational strength. Following Paetongtarn’s announcement that the next candidate for PM will not be from the Shinawatra lineage, the party prepares for a significant evolution in strategy and identity.

 

Key Takeaways:

 

• Paetongtarn Shinawatra to resign as Pheu Thai Party leader.
• Anutin Charnvirakul hints at potential parliamentary dissolution.
• Bhumjaithai strengthens its political position with strategic deals.

 

Related Stories:

Pheu Thai Party Wins By-Election in Phitsanulok

PM Anutin May Dissolve House to Avoid Censure Showdown

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Khaosod 2025-10-22

 

 

About time

How do you give up something you never had?

 

Could not have happened to a nicer gal/ or family

My vote goes to making Lisa the new Pheu Thai Party leader...

 

 

 

 

1 minute ago, redwood1 said:

My vote goes to making Lisa the new Pheu Thai Party leader...

 

 

 

 

 

 

+1

 

 

She would get my vote

The 'Blackpink Revolutionary Party'....young, vibrant, progressive and no old foggies....like it

Was she never the "leader", just a convient clone. 

PTP are finished.

31 minutes ago, redwood1 said:

My vote goes to making Lisa the new Pheu Thai Party leader...

 

Talk about an airhead'

41 minutes ago, redwood1 said:

My vote goes to making Lisa the new Pheu Thai Party leader...

 

Talk about airheads....

She had to go, here indoors said so, 

2 hours ago, webfact said:

Paetongtarn Shinawatra plans to step down as Pheu Thai Party leader.

 

That gives her planty of time to take care of her children, as dayddy is busy teaching english

"But I've signed papers with promises to pay taxes sometime, maybe later, for all the money daddy gave and am keeping offshore, as he didn't pay taxes on it either, we leave that to ordinary people..  but too busy now being president of one of his real-estate companies again now.." We're so happy that he is close and  only there briefly, in a nice cozy hospital room in prison here, rather than being in the next cell to Dutarte, for having done the same thing as he did, only first.. 

On 10/22/2025 at 11:00 AM, dinsdale said:

PTP are finished.

And so are the Shins... thank the lord

Who is next in line? The family dog?

She was never up to the job... just a puppet-on-a-string.,. totally controlled by her corrupt clan.

That leaked phone call to Hun Sen sealed her fate.

Another nominee is needed - or maybe the jig-is-up for the lot of them. Let's hope so.

2 hours ago, hotchilli said:

And so are the Shins... thank the lord

 

But instead you got Anutin.

5 minutes ago, watchcat said:

 

But instead you got Anutin.

 

 

Result!

1 hour ago, JJ-Thailand said:

Who is next in line? The family dog?

Maybe the mutt would have been the better choice from day one

The worst it could do is lick itself during a photo shoot

 

Bet she's glad to put the whole thing behind her - she only did it out of fealty to pops.

The rise and fall of a puppet on a string.......

On 10/21/2025 at 5:27 PM, redwood1 said:

My vote goes to making Lisa the new Pheu Thai Party leader...

 

 

 

 

She defintely has my Vote

2 hours ago, watchcat said:

 

But instead you got Anutin.

Only with the backing of the Peoples party...

1 hour ago, BusyB said:

 

Bet she's glad to put the whole thing behind her - she only did it out of fealty to pops.

More time now to go luxury bag shopping

19 hours ago, hotchilli said:

And so are the Shins... thank the lord

 

Let's hope so.

Is this the start of a completely new trend for Thailand?

 

No more pimping out thier daughters.

8 hours ago, NoMoonLogistics said:

Is this the start of a completely new trend for Thailand

No more pimping out thier daughters.

Still have the driver, gardener and maid to exploit.