Bangkok, Jul 1 (AP): The recent suspension of Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra by the Constitutional Court has fueled speculation that her family's political resurgence may face yet another setback.
Paetongtarn represents the third generation of leaders in her family, following her father, Thaksin Shinawatra—a telecom mogul and influential political figure in Thailand—and her aunt, Yingluck Shinawatra, who made history as the country's first female prime minister.
Thaksin was overthrown in a 2006 military coup, while Yingluck was removed by a court decision in 2014.
Despite his ousting, Thaksin maintained popularity among supporters who believed he and his affiliates prioritized their needs. During her 2022 campaign, Paetongtarn acknowledged her family connections but emphasized her independence, stating: “It's not the shadow of my dad. I am my dad's daughter, always and forever, but I have my own decisions.”
She expressed her hope to enhance “opportunity and quality of life” and drive the nation forward. However, Paetongtarn's suspension on Tuesday over an ethics investigation related to a leaked phone call with Cambodian leader Hun Sen, perceived as detrimental to Thailand's interests, has led to a diplomatic quandary.
Eroding public confidence has been exacerbated by this diplomatic blunder. Critics argue that Paetongtarn's administration has made limited accomplishments, citing marriage equality and cannabis policy missteps as evidence of unfulfilled promises.
The leaked call is seen as the most significant negative incident, stemming from previously tense Thai-Cambodian border relations.
Paetongtarn faced backlash for comments about a Thai army leader and the perception she sought to placate Hun Sen. Although she apologized, her refusal to resign or dissolve Parliament in response has been viewed as a Pheu Thai party effort to maintain control.
Napon Jatusripitak, a political science researcher at Singapore's ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, noted her response was “totally disconnected from political reality,” suggesting that the scandal reveals her leadership shortcomings and accusations of prioritizing family over national interests.
Adoration for the Shinawatra legacy seems to be waning. Thaksin is believed to wield significant influence within Pheu Thai, now under Paetongtarn's leadership. His parties have repeatedly won elections but struggled to maintain power due to legal challenges and protests driven by staunch adversaries.
In 2023, Thaksin's purported self-serving alliances with conservative opponents, allowing his return from exile and the formation of a new government, alienated many long-time supporters while diminishing the progressive Move Forward Party's influence.
The current controversy casts a shadow over the Shinawatra family. “In light of the recent controversy, the Shinawatra spell has been broken. The only viable Shinawatra scion is now tainted,” said Napon. “It would be an understatement to say that the Shinawatra name no longer guarantees electoral success.”
Further, legal and political challenges remain. Yingluck and Thaksin face potential imprisonment and legal issues considered politically motivated if they return to Thailand.
Thailand's royalist establishment has been unsettled by Thaksin’s populist policies, which they perceive as a threat to their influence and the monarchy's symbolic role in Thai society.
Paetongtarn now confronts protests from familiar conservative, pro-royalist opponents of her father. “History seems to be repeating itself in a way. Thailand seems trapped in a depressingly familiar cycle where Shinawatra-led governments come to power, only to face mounting pressure from traditional power centres, street protests, and extra-parliamentary interventions that ultimately force them from office,” Napon remarked.
At 38 years old, Paetongtarn is the youngest of Thaksin's three children. Before entering politics in 2021 as Pheu Thai's advisory committee leader, she was an executive in her family's hotel business. She and her husband, Pitaka Suksawat, who transitioned from commercial piloting to involvement in the Shinawatra's real estate enterprises, have two children. (AP) NPK NPK
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