Thailand’s political scramble after PM Shinawatra ousted

Post by : Monika

Photo: Reuters

On August 30, 2025, Thailand entered another storm of political uncertainty. The country’s Constitutional Court ruled to remove Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office. The judges said she broke ethical rules during a private but important phone call with the leader of Cambodia. This decision immediately opened a power vacuum, as rival political groups rushed to decide who should take control of the government.

This sudden change did not just shock politicians. It also unsettled ordinary Thai citizens, businesses, and international observers. Thailand, a country with a history of frequent leadership changes, once again found itself at a crossroads.

Why Was Paetongtarn Removed?

Paetongtarn Shinawatra, daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, had only been in office for a short time before the court’s decision. The judges accused her of crossing ethical boundaries during a sensitive phone call with Cambodia’s prime minister. Although details of the call were not fully revealed, it was seen as inappropriate for a sitting leader to handle foreign affairs in such a way.

In Thailand, courts and military groups have often acted to remove prime ministers from office. Paetongtarn’s removal fits a familiar pattern. In fact, she became the sixth leader from the Shinawatra family’s political circle to be forced out through court rulings or military action. This shows the deep and long-lasting clash between the Shinawatra movement, which is popular among many voters, and Thailand’s conservative establishment, which includes judges, generals, and royalists.

The Immediate Aftermath

The ruling created chaos in Bangkok. Political parties began intense negotiations to see who could claim power next.

Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai quickly stepped in as the acting leader. His role is only temporary, but he was tasked with keeping the government running while politicians argue over who should become the next permanent prime minister.

The ruling Pheu Thai Party, which Paetongtarn led, immediately announced that they would back Chaikasem Nitisiri. Nitisiri is a veteran politician and former attorney general. However, he is the only eligible candidate left for Pheu Thai, making their options very limited.

At the same time, the Bhumjaithai Party—led by Anutin Charnvirakul—saw a chance to rise. This party had recently left the coalition government after disagreements over Paetongtarn. Once she was removed, Anutin quickly declared that his party had enough support to lead. He promised to hold a national election within four months if given the chance.

A Clash Between Parties

• Right now, Thailand’s politics looks like a fast-moving chess game.
• Pheu Thai Party wants to hold onto power by pushing Nitisiri as the new leader.
• Bhumjaithai Party, with Anutin at the head, wants to step in and form a new government.
• The People’s Party, which is the largest opposition group, has chosen to remain on the sidelines—for now.

The People’s Party, with nearly one-third of the seats in parliament, announced that they would only support a government if it agreed to early elections and to holding a public vote on changing the constitution. This stance adds more pressure on the other parties because it suggests that without compromise, no stable government can be formed.

Why This Is Such a Big Problem

One of the biggest issues is that the Thai constitution does not set a clear deadline for when a new prime minister must be chosen. This means the political struggle could drag on for weeks or even months.

During that time, Thailand risks facing:

• Economic uncertainty – Investors and businesses may hold back on spending money.
• Slowed reforms – Important laws and changes could be delayed because leaders are busy fighting over power.
• Public frustration – Ordinary people may lose trust in the system after seeing yet another leader removed.
• Thailand has faced political instability many times before, but each new crisis adds more worry about whether the country’s democracy can survive in a stable form.

Looking at the Economic Impact

The reaction from financial markets was immediate. Analysts warned that if the power struggle lasts too long, Thailand’s economy could take a serious hit.

The country is already struggling with slow growth. Tourism, one of Thailand’s biggest industries, is recovering after global difficulties but still not as strong as before. Investors have been cautious, and this new political crisis will only make them more nervous.

Ordinary people are also feeling the effects. When leaders fight, important reforms that could help jobs, wages, or education are delayed. For everyday families, this means more waiting and more uncertainty about their future.

A Familiar Story in Thai Politics

For an 8th-grade student, this situation may seem confusing. But here’s an easy way to understand it: imagine your school’s student council president was removed by teachers for breaking school rules. Suddenly, different groups of students all want to take control. Some promise quick elections, some want to keep things as they are, and some say they will only help if big changes happen. Meanwhile, nobody knows when a new president will finally be chosen.

This is what Thailand is experiencing, but on a much bigger scale with real-life consequences for millions of people.

The Shinawatra Legacy

The Shinawatra family continues to play a major role in Thailand’s politics. Thaksin Shinawatra, Paetongtarn’s father, was once very popular but was removed by a military coup in 2006. His sister, Yingluck Shinawatra, also became prime minister but was later forced out by court rulings. Now Paetongtarn has faced the same fate.

This repeated pattern shows how deeply divided Thailand is. Many voters strongly support the Shinawatra family because they believe the family brings policies that help the poor and rural communities. But the conservative elite, including military and royalist groups, often view the Shinawatras as dangerous to their power and influence. This battle has gone on for nearly two decades, and it continues today.

What Could Happen Next?

• Political experts say there are three possible paths:
• Pheu Thai holds power with Nitisiri as prime minister, but this will be difficult because the party has lost some key allies.
• Anutin and the Bhumjaithai Party take over, promising a new election soon, but this may also bring protests if people feel betrayed.
• The People’s Party forces a compromise, leading to early elections and perhaps even constitutional reform.
• Each option carries risks, but all sides know that dragging out the fight for too long could harm the country even more.

The Role of the People

For ordinary Thai citizens, this crisis brings both hope and fear. On one hand, some see a chance for reform if early elections are held. On the other, many fear that the struggle will only repeat old problems—where one leader is removed, another takes power, and the cycle continues without solving deeper issues.

Protests are possible, as Thailand has a long history of street demonstrations. People may demand fairness, accountability, or faster elections. How the government and opposition respond to these demands will shape the country’s stability in the coming months.

Why It Matters Beyond Thailand

Thailand is an important country in Southeast Asia. It is a key trading hub, a tourism hotspot, and a regional partner in international organizations. When Thailand faces instability, it affects not just its own people but also its neighbors and global partners.

For example, businesses from Japan, China, and the United States invest heavily in Thailand. If they feel uncertain about the government, they may move money elsewhere. This could weaken Thailand’s economy further.

Also, political unrest could affect Thailand’s role in regional diplomacy, especially with nearby countries like Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam.

Thailand is once again standing at a political crossroads. The removal of Paetongtarn Shinawatra has created a struggle for power that could last weeks or months. With no clear constitutional deadline, rival parties are competing fiercely to control the next government.

The outcome will not only decide Thailand’s political direction but also its economic future and the trust of its citizens. Whether through compromise, elections, or continued conflict, the next steps taken by Thai leaders will shape the country’s stability for years to come.

What is most important now is that leaders remember their duty to the people. Thailand’s democracy is fragile, and each political crisis makes it weaker. To protect the country’s future, politicians must act wisely, carefully, and with honesty.

Thailand political crisis