Thaksin Shinawatra Faces Political Crisis in Thailand

Post by : Monika

Photo: Reuters

Thailand is going through a tense political period as former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra faces one of the most challenging moments in his long political career. Thaksin, once a powerful figure in Thai politics for more than twenty years, is seeing his influence diminish sharply.

His ruling party, Pheu Thai, is struggling with internal conflicts, resignations, and legal complications, leaving many to wonder about the future of both Thaksin’s political career and the party he once led.

Background on Thaksin Shinawatra

Thaksin Shinawatra first rose to power in Thailand in the early 2000s. He became well-known for his populist policies that focused on helping rural communities and small businesses. Programs like low-interest loans, healthcare support, and subsidies for farmers earned him immense popularity outside the major cities. For a long time, Thaksin’s political influence was almost unchallenged, and his family became a dominant force in Thai politics. His sister Yingluck Shinawatra also served as prime minister, continuing the family legacy.

However, Thaksin’s tenure was also marked by controversy. Accusations of corruption, authoritarian tendencies, and conflicts with the military and monarchy occasionally brought him into conflict with other parts of Thailand’s political system. These tensions have contributed to the challenges Pheu Thai and Thaksin’s family now face.

Recent Developments and Party Turmoil

In early September 2025, a major shift occurred when Sakda Vicheansil, a lawmaker from western Thailand, resigned from the Pheu Thai party. Sakda cited the government’s inability to address the problems and suffering in his constituency as his reason for leaving. This resignation highlighted the internal divisions within the party and showed that support for Thaksin’s leadership is weakening.

Adding to the party’s challenges, Thaksin’s daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who had been appointed as a prime ministerial candidate, was removed by the Constitutional Court. The court ruled that she violated ethics rules, and her dismissal significantly weakened the party’s political position. Paetongtarn’s removal also reflected the ongoing scrutiny of the Shinawatra family in Thai politics, signaling that their influence may be declining after years of dominance.

The political crisis worsened when a leaked phone call involving Paetongtarn came into the public domain. This leak, reportedly released by former Cambodian leader Hun Sen, led to tensions on the Thailand-Cambodia border and caused a deadly incident.

The situation prompted a key coalition partner, the Bhumjaithai Party, to withdraw its support from Pheu Thai and align with the opposition People’s Party. The loss of this support left Pheu Thai vulnerable in parliamentary decisions and raised the stakes for upcoming votes.

In response to the shifting political landscape, Pheu Thai threatened to dissolve parliament if their new prime ministerial candidate won the upcoming vote. This strategy reflects the party’s attempt to maintain influence despite the growing challenges and declining control over the government.

Thaksin’s Declining Influence and Legal Challenges

Thaksin’s once-popular policies, which were widely supported in rural areas, have started to lose their appeal. Increasingly, accusations are emerging that he is now aligned with elite interests rather than ordinary citizens. This perception has further eroded his support base and created dissatisfaction among voters who once strongly backed him.

In addition to political setbacks, Thaksin faces legal troubles. The Supreme Court is scheduled to decide on the legitimacy of his hospital stay instead of serving prison time. Depending on the court’s ruling, this decision could severely impact his remaining political influence. Legal challenges have been a constant part of Thaksin’s career, and their outcomes often shape his political fortunes.

These combined factors – declining popularity, internal party divisions, and legal scrutiny – suggest that Thaksin’s political power is at a historic low. Analysts suggest that the once-dominant Shinawatra family may be approaching the end of its significant role in Thailand’s political landscape.

Potential Outcomes and Future Prospects

Amid the political turmoil, the Pheu Thai party has nominated Chaikasem Nitisiri, a 77-year-old former attorney-general, as its candidate for prime minister. Chaikasem’s nomination is part of a strategy to stabilize the party and maintain some level of influence in parliament.

Pheu Thai has also announced that it will call a snap election if Chaikasem wins, hoping to regain public support and strengthen its position in government.

However, the opposition People’s Party has stated that it will support Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul, who has promised to dissolve parliament within four months. This promise creates additional uncertainty, as Thailand could face another election or significant changes in leadership shortly.

Political analysts are closely watching these developments. Many believe that Thaksin’s influence has significantly waned and that the Shinawatra family’s political dominance, which lasted for over two decades, is now in jeopardy. The upcoming parliamentary vote, possible snap elections, and decisions by the Constitutional Court will be decisive in determining the future of Thailand’s political system.

Public Reaction and Political Tension

The political uncertainty has created tension among the Thai public. Many citizens are concerned about the instability and the potential consequences of ongoing political battles. The resignations, court rulings, and coalition shifts have left ordinary people uncertain about the direction of their country. Political commentators note that this uncertainty could affect public trust in government institutions, highlighting the importance of clear leadership and transparency.

The situation is also shaping Thailand’s international relations. Neighboring countries, such as Cambodia, are observing developments closely, particularly following incidents linked to border tensions and political leaks. International observers have noted that political stability in Thailand is crucial not only for domestic governance but also for regional security and economic stability.

Challenges for Pheu Thai

Pheu Thai faces multiple challenges. The party must regain public confidence while navigating a fractured coalition and opposition pressures. Managing internal divisions, responding to legal scrutiny, and presenting credible leadership are critical steps for survival in the current political environment.

The nomination of Chaikasem Nitisiri represents a strategic move to bring experience and credibility to the party’s leadership. However, his advanced age and lack of direct electoral popularity may limit his ability to unify supporters. Pheu Thai must balance the need for experienced leadership with the demand for fresh political energy to reconnect with voters.

Additionally, the party must address economic and social issues affecting ordinary citizens. Many voters have expressed frustration over unemployment, rising costs of living, and insufficient public services. Pheu Thai’s ability to respond effectively to these concerns will likely influence its political fortunes in the upcoming months.

Historical Context

Thailand’s politics has often been marked by cycles of intense rivalry, coups, and legal interventions. Thaksin Shinawatra himself was ousted in a military coup in 2006, highlighting the fragility of political power in the country. Over the years, his family managed to regain influence, but their control has always faced opposition from royalist, military, and elite factions.

This historical context shows that Thailand’s political environment is complex, and Thaksin’s current struggles are part of a larger pattern of instability and contestation. Understanding these dynamics is crucial to analyzing the current political crisis and its potential outcomes.

Thaksin Shinawatra’s political journey, which has spanned more than two decades, is now at a critical turning point. The former prime minister, once celebrated for his populist policies and political dominance, is experiencing declining support, internal party conflict, and legal challenges.

The Pheu Thai party, which has been central to the Shinawatra family’s political influence, is struggling to maintain cohesion and public trust. Nominations like that of Chaikasem Nitisiri and the potential for snap elections illustrate the uncertainty and fluidity of Thailand’s political landscape.

In the coming weeks and months, the outcomes of court rulings, parliamentary votes, and coalition negotiations will determine whether the Shinawatra family can retain any significant influence or if their political era is coming to an end. Thai citizens, as well as regional observers, will be closely watching these developments, given their implications for the nation’s governance, stability, and future direction.

The situation emphasizes the importance of stable, transparent, and accountable leadership in maintaining public trust and ensuring that the government can address the pressing economic and social needs of its people. Thailand’s political story is entering a new chapter, and the world is watching as the country navigates this period of change and uncertainty.

Thailand Politics