This year has been quite the whirlwind in Thai politics, witnessing an unexpected change of leadership despite an initially unified coalition government. Yet, as political observers have noted, this supposed unity was fraught with challenges, proving less than bulletproof. The annals of Thai history show administrations have historically crumbled for a variety of reasons—military coups, internal collapses due to loss of coalition support, or a prime minister being unceremoniously ousted by the courts.
The latter was the fate of the Srettha Thavisin administration, which was abruptly curtailed when the Constitutional Court removed him from office last August. Despite Srettha’s background as a resilient real estate tycoon, his lack of political finesse became glaringly evident. As prime minister, his support seemed tethered solely to the backing of the ruling Pheu Thai Party. He was, metaphorically, standing on a political seesaw without the balance. This shaky footing sparked criticism about his efficacy in leadership initiatives.
Take, for example, the Pheu Thai’s ambitious 10,000-baht digital wallet handout scheme. Despite being a cornerstone electoral promise, it languished under Srettha’s watch. It was a policy limping out of the gates by legal necessity before gazing wistfully at the starting blocks. Meanwhile, Srettha was busy earning his sky miles, undertaking 12 international trips to 16 countries within just under a year, drawing curiosity and attention in equal measure.
As sources point out, his role as the “face” of the government may have served to shield him from more controversial matters, allowing the party’s bigwigs to tussle with the potboilers behind the curtains. However, not all the boiling potatoes could be ignored. A particularly combustible issue involved Srettha’s plan to relist cannabis as a narcotic, reawakening frictions with the coalition’s second-largest party, Bhumjaithai, which had been a staunch advocate for cannabis legalization. Srettha cited social repercussions outweighing economic benefits of cannabis use, but his intentions met resistance, notably from Mr. Anutin of Bhumjaithai, who rebuffed the plan, prompting Srettha to compromise into regulating the plant instead.
This compromise was a mere hiccup compared to the downfall that awaited him. In August, the Constitutional Court ruled against Srettha for ethical breaches associated with appointing ex-convict Pichit Chuenban to a ministerial post, effectively ending his brief tenure. Srettha was succeeded swiftly by Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Pheu Thai’s rising star and daughter to former premier Thaksin Shinawatra. Despite her ascendancy, the coalition faced its lingering tensions with Bhumjaithai, highlighted by the contentious Khao Kradong land issue in Buri Ram. This legal tug-of-war threatens to strain relations further, pitting the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) overseen by Pheu Thai, against the Department of Lands (DoL) under Bhumjaithai’s leadership.
Moreover, political squabbles surfaced over a bill aimed at amending the Defence Ministry Administration Act, seen by some, like Mr. Anutin, as an unwelcome political flirtation with defense affairs. This push and pull of interests within the coalition paints a picture of fragile cooperation amid simmering rivalries.
Meanwhile, the Pheu Thai Party, with its roots deeply intertwined with Thaksin Shinawatra, still clings to its political influence, evidenced by recent victories in local elections in Udon Thani and Ubon Ratchathani. Despite these successes, experts warn that the party’s allure may be waning amidst shifting loyalties, particularly among former red-shirt allies who have now gravitated toward the opposition’s orange camp. As Pheu Thai eyes the future, it seeks to consolidate power aiming for at least 200 seats in the 2027 general elections. This ambitious goal, however, may require some strategic maneuvers within the coalition and a few feathers may ruffle along the way.
As the political landscape evolves, Pheu Thai’s path forward involves navigating the complex web of alliances and rivalries that define the ever-dynamic arena of Thai politics. The narrative is one of adapting, strategizing, and, above all, keeping the coalition intact as they pursue their aspirations in the years to come.
I can’t believe Srettha Thavisin was ousted so quickly! Shows how volatile Thai politics are.
It’s not entirely surprising given Thailand’s history with political instability, especially after coups and court interventions.
True, but I hoped his business background would help. Apparently, politics is a different beast!
Yeah, but his international trips showed he was more interested in showboating.
How does appointing an ex-convict to a ministerial post even happen? No wonder the court stepped in.
I think it speaks to a lack of oversight or blatant disregard for standards.
Well, Thailand has interesting lapses in political morality, to say the least.
It’s scary to think this is possible in a functioning government.
Pheu Thai’s digital wallet promise was nothing but smoke and mirrors.
At least they had a plan! More than some parties offer—just saying.
A plan that never took off might as well have been nothing!
I feel it’s better than doing nothing, give them some credit.
The cannabis issue is a classic example of how personal beliefs often outweigh economic benefits in politics.
Sure, but shouldn’t the societal impacts also be considered? It’s not just about money.
I agree, but sometimes economic gains can drive significant growth and help the population overall.
The rise of Paetongtarn Shinawatra indicates the Shinawatra family’s enduring influence. Maybe a little too much power in one family?
Nepotism in politics is old news. Happens everywhere, Thailand isn’t unique.
But it’s concerning when political power becomes a family affair, don’t you think?
If Pheu Thai can’t resolve the land disputes with Bhumjaithai, we might see another coalition break up.
These kinds of issues are exactly why the Thai government struggles with stability.
But isn’t it more about power plays than actual issues sometimes?
Certainly. Political chess, as always.
This coalition seems fragile. How do they even plan to manage until the next election?
Sometimes it’s a matter of managing tensions and playing along till it’s no longer possible.
As long as they share common goals, it might still survive, despite many disagreements.
Local election victories are good, but it’s the national game that counts.
I think shifting loyalties will hurt Pheu Thai in the long run.
Aiming for 200 seats is a lofty goal; can Pheu Thai manage that with so many internal challenges?
Strategizing within such a turbulent environment seems nearly impossible.
The narrative of adapting and strategizing feels overly optimistic considering their current situation.
Pheu Thai’s ability to keep the coalition intact will be the real test of their political skill.
Sounds like they need a better game plan if they hope to maintain power beyond 2027.