Thailand Political Crisis: Paetongtarn Shinawatra Ousted, Shinawatra Dynasty Under Threat
Written by the editors of theo-courant.com, your reference guide to Thailand and South-East Asia - based in Bangkok, at the heart of Thai culture.
The ouster of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra once again highlights the chronic instability of Thailand’s political system, marked by judicial interventions, a contested dynasty, and shifting party coalitions.
Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s Removal: Another Political Earthquake
On August 29, 2025, Thailand’s Constitutional Court removed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office for ethical violations after a phone call with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen, deemed harmful to national interests.
The ruling, decided by a 6–3 majority, retroactively annulled her mandate effective July 1, 2025, alongside her entire cabinet.
She thus became the sixth figure linked to the Shinawatra dynasty ousted from power by the judiciary or the military in two decades.
Barely a year into her term, the decision plunged the country back into deep political uncertainty. The People’s Party now holds the pivotal role in forming a new government.
Thailand’s Current Political Situation
Ongoing Negotiations and Interim Government
The Bhumjaithai Party, undergoing internal restructuring, has agreed to the People’s Party’s conditions for leading a new coalition—dissolution of Parliament within four months and a referendum on the constitution. Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai will serve as interim leader until a new prime minister is elected.
The parliamentary session to elect a new prime minister is scheduled for September 3, 2025.
Structural Democratic Instability
This crisis underlines the dominant role of judicial institutions, often viewed as instruments of the royal-military establishment used to curb populist leaders.
The Shinawatra Dynasty in Thai Politics
Who Are the Shinawatras?
Founded by Thaksin Shinawatra, a central figure of Thai populism, the dynasty has seen multiple members rise to the premiership: Thaksin himself, his sister Yingluck Shinawatra, and most recently his daughter Paetongtarn.
Successive Ousters
Since 2006, the family has faced six removals through court rulings or coups:
- Thaksin Shinawatra ousted by a military coup in 2006.
- His brother-in-law Somchai Wongsawat dismissed by the Constitutional Court in 2008.
- Yingluck Shinawatra removed by court ruling in 2014, followed by a military coup.
- Srettha Thavisin, an ally but not a family member, dismissed on ethical grounds before Paetongtarn’s rise.
- Finally, Paetongtarn Shinawatra herself, dismissed by the Court in August 2025.
Each ouster deepened political instability, weakened governments, reignited institutional crises, and hurt the economy.
The People’s Party: Heir of Move Forward and Key Opposition Force
The dissolution of the Move Forward Party by Thailand’s Constitutional Court in August 2024 marked a major turning point. In response, its former MPs quickly formed the People’s Party, inheriting the colors, ideals, and progressive stance of its predecessor. Behind this rebranding lies a history of political reshuffling, institutional pressures, and electoral strategies. Despite repeated setbacks, the movement remains at the heart of Thailand’s democratic opposition.
Timeline of the People’s Party (Thailand)
| Period | Party Name | Founding / Change Date | Key Leaders | Reasons / Key Events |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014–2020 | United Development of the Thai Nation (พรรคร่วมพัฒนาชาติไทย) | May 1, 2014 | Not specified | Initial foundation, limited impact |
| 2019 | Phueng Luang (พรรคผึ้งหลวง) | January 19, 2019 | — | Temporary rebranding |
| 2020–2024 | Move Forward (พรรคก้าวไกล) | January 19, 2020 | Pita Limjaroenrat (leader), Apichat Sirisunthon (secretary-general) | Successor to the dissolved Future Forward Party |
| 2023 | — | General election | Pita Limjaroenrat | 151 seats, top party, excluded from government |
| August 2024 | Dissolution of Move Forward | August 7, 2024 | — | Court-ordered dissolution |
| Since Aug 2024 | People’s Party (พรรคประชาชน) | August 9, 2024 | Natthaphong Ruangpanyawut (leader), Sirikanya Tansakul (deputy), Parit Watcharasindhu (spokesperson), Sarayut Jailak (secretary-general) | Progressive reformation with 143 MPs |
Electoral Results
| Year | Party Name | Seats Won | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Move Forward (via Future Forward) | ~80 (pre-dissolution) | Opposition |
| 2023 | Move Forward | 151 | Largest party, excluded from government |
| 2024 | People’s Party | 143 (transferred) | Opposition, awaiting 2027 elections |
Position and Ideology
- Orientation: Center-left
- Values: Democracy, equality, institutional reform
- Key Issues: Military reform, monarchy reform, decentralization, civil rights
- Color: Orange
- Slogan: “From the people, for the people, by the people”
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions on Thai Politics
Q: Why was Paetongtarn Shinawatra removed?
A: Due to a private call with Hun Sen, deemed ethically inappropriate and against national interests, according to the Constitutional Court (6–3 ruling).
Q: What is the role of the People’s Party?
It plays a pivotal role in coalition negotiations, demanding a constitutional referendum and dissolution of Parliament in exchange for support.
Q: How influential is the Constitutional Court in Thai democracy?
The Court wields strong influence, often criticized for curbing elected governments and fueling institutional instability.
Q: What promises has the new coalition made?
Parliament’s dissolution within four months, a constitutional referendum, and drafting of a new charter by an elected assembly.
Q: Is this the end of the Shinawatra dynasty?
Not entirely—though weakened, the dynasty maintains a solid grassroots base. Yet institutional opponents remain powerful.
Q: Will there be new elections?
Likely, if the coalition follows through with its pledge: dissolution of Parliament and fresh elections.
