Paetongtarn Shinawatra Launches Cabinet Shake-Up Amid Mounting Crisis
Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, just 38 years old and daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, has initiated a significant cabinet reshuffle that aims to steady her government amidst escalating political instability. The move comes after her main coalition partner abruptly exited last week, threatening to topple her administration.
Coalition Collapse and Reshuffle
The conservative Bhumjaithai party’s departure left Paetongtarn’s Pheu Thai-led coalition with a razor-thin majority in Parliament, barely surpassing the needed 248-seat threshold. This fracture almost brought down the government, triggering widespread speculation about its future.
Despite the setback, Pheu Thai’s secretary general, Sorawong Thienthong, confirmed that the remaining 10 coalition partners remain loyal, preserving a fragile alliance. "None of the other parties are pulling out – the remaining parties are staying united with the government," he stated.
The reshuffle, expected to conclude by Friday, will reshuffle key ministries — most notably the defense ministry — as tensions persist with Cambodia over border disputes.
Leaked Phone Call Sparks Controversy
Political chaos intensified after a leaked phone conversation between Paetongtarn and former Cambodian leader Hun Sen revealed sensitive discussions on the ongoing border conflict. Critics seized on the call, accusing the Prime Minister of undermining national interests and insulting the military.
Pressure mounted for her to resign or call new elections. Yet, Paetongtarn remains defiant, navigating sharp criticism while balancing complex political alliances.
Legal Threats and Political Precedents
Beyond parliamentary politics, a Constitutional Court petition filed by conservative senators could jeopardize her tenure. The court is being urged to disqualify Paetongtarn over her conduct during the controversial phone exchange.
This is a familiar pattern in Thai politics. The same court removed her predecessor, Srettha Thavisin, last August in an ethics case. This judicial intervention echoes the fates of earlier Shinawatra-linked leaders, including Thaksin himself and his sister Yingluck, who faced ousting via court rulings or military coups.
Longstanding Political Turmoil
Thailand has grappled with over two decades of persistent unrest, driven by a deep schism between the military, the pro-royalist establishment, and parties associated with the Shinawatra legacy. Despite his contentious standing among Thailand’s elite, Thaksin retains considerable support among the rural population.
Outlook for Paetongtarn’s Government
As the reshuffle progresses and legal challenges loom, Paetongtarn's administration teeters on a knife’s edge. The coming days will be critical in determining whether she can stabilize her government and withstand the dual pressures of political fracture and judicial scrutiny.
