Tue Jul 01 06:36:08 UTC 2025: **Thailand’s Ruling Family Faces Dual Legal Challenges as PM’s Dismissal Sought, Father Faces Royal Defamation Trial**
BANGKOK – Thailand’s political landscape is once again in turmoil as the Constitutional Court considers a petition to dismiss Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, while her father, former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, faces trial for allegedly defaming the monarchy.
The Constitutional Court convened on Tuesday to review a petition filed by 36 senators accusing Paetongtarn of ethical violations and dishonesty. The accusations stem from a leaked phone conversation with Cambodia’s former leader, Hun Sen, where she reportedly criticized a Thai army commander, a perceived breach of protocol in a country with a powerful military. If the court accepts the case, Paetongtarn could be suspended from her duties pending a potentially lengthy deliberation.
Simultaneously, Thaksin Shinawatra appeared in Bangkok’s Criminal Court on Tuesday for the first hearing in a case accusing him of lese-majeste, or royal defamation. The charges relate to a 2015 interview he gave to South Korean media, where he allegedly insulted the Thai monarchy. If convicted, he could face up to 15 years in prison. Thaksin has denied the charges and affirmed his loyalty to the crown. The court has begun trial, but media are barred from observing.
These concurrent legal challenges underscore the long-standing power struggle between the Shinawatra family and the conservative, pro-military, pro-royalist elite, who view the family as a threat to Thailand’s traditional social order.
The petition against Paetongtarn has further weakened her coalition government, already grappling with a fragile economy and potential trade tariffs from the United States. A key party recently withdrew from the alliance, fueling speculation of an upcoming no-confidence vote in parliament. Paetongtarn, who has taken on the culture minister portfolio after a cabinet reshuffle, acknowledged her concerns about the situation, stating, “I will let the process take its course.”
Thaksin’s trial is expected to last for weeks, with a verdict not anticipated for at least a month after. Furthermore, the Supreme Court is scheduled to review the circumstances surrounding his previous hospital stay while in detention, raising the possibility of his return to prison.
The outcome of these legal proceedings could have significant implications for Thailand’s political stability and future direction.
First Piper 