Thailand’s Constitutional Court has removed Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra from her positions as Prime Minister and Minister of Culture with a 6-3 verdict. The decision came following a petition filed by the Senate President, requesting the Court to decide whether Ms. Paetongtarn’s ministerial position should be terminated under Article 170, paragraph 1(4), in conjunction with Articles 106(4) and (5) of the Constitution. The case concerned an audio clip of a conversation between Ms. Patongthorn and Cambodia’s Senate President, Samdech Hun Sen.
The Court’s decision noted that Ms. Paetongtarn’s seeking sympathy from Hun Sen was not a diplomatic strategy but was motivated by personal interests, ignoring national interests. The behaviour was deemed to have damaged Thailand’s reputation and the dignity of the Prime Minister’s Office, caused public distrust and hurt national pride. The court concluded that his actions constituted serious ethical violations, resulting in his disqualification under Article 165 of the Constitution. As a result, his ministerial term ended from July 1, 2025, and the entire cabinet was consequently dissolved.
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Political activities intensify
Following the decision, political parties are in the race to form a new government. The main competition is between the Pheu Thai Party (PTP) and the Bhumjayathai Party (BJT). Mr. Wisut Chanarun, list MP and party whip of the PTP, dismissed rumors of internal betrayal, saying, “There are no snakes here now.
Other parties are coming to us.” He expressed confidence in the unity of the PTP and presented Mr. Chaikasem Nitsisiri as the third prime ministerial candidate, who is ready if needed. When asked if the PTP fears being pushed into opposition, Mr Wisut confidently said, “I am not worried. Let’s see how many votes the other parties can garner—70 or 80? They will need 150-160 more votes. Can they do that? I believe the People’s Party will not go with them.”
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Meanwhile, BJT Secretary-General Mr Chaichanok Chidchob welcomed MPs from the United Thai Nation Party (UTNP), led by Mr Suchart Chomklin, who has 18 MPs. When asked if the BJT was moving quickly to form a new government, Mr Chaichanok said, “We have to work fast, but discussions are necessary. Let Mr Anutin make the announcement.” BJT leaders have also met with leaders of the People’s Party (PP), indicating efforts to form a coalition.
People’s Party’s stance
People’s Party leader Mr. Nattaphong Ruengpanyavut made a statement after the verdict that his party is ready to select a new Prime Minister, but with the following conditions:
The new Prime Minister Paetongtarn must dissolve Parliament and hold general elections within four months of submitting the policy statement.
The new Cabinet must hold a referendum to amend the 2017 Constitution, so that a new Constitution can be drafted by the elected Constituent Assembly, which is completed by the next general election.
The People’s Party will remain in the opposition and will closely monitor the new government and will not nominate any members to the Cabinet.
Behind-the-scenes activities
It is worth noting that BJT leader Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul met a prominent businessman connected to some political parties and was seen eating “chicken rice” with Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) leader General Prawit Wongsuwan. There are reports that the PPRP is seeking support to make Gen Prawit the prime minister, promising to solve national issues and dissolve parliament in six months.
As the political landscape is changing, the PTP and BJT are stepping up their efforts to capture power.
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