Srettha Thavisin stood before the media at Government House on August 14, clarifying that there had been no breach of ethical standards in his appointment of Pichit Chuenban as a minister. This statement followed the Constitutional Court’s ruling, and as the year 2025 nears, ‘Bangkok Post’ reflects on the most captivating political stories of the past year.
One story, in particular, continues to resonate—Srettha Thavisin’s meteoric rise and precipitous fall as Thailand’s 30th Prime Minister. Once a towering figure in real estate, Srettha’s entry into the political arena was as dramatic as his departure. His premiership, though short-lived, carved an indelible mark in the annals of Thai politics, perhaps more for its swiftness than any policies enacted.
Srettha’s political journey began when the ruling Pheu Thai Party selected him from among their triad of prime ministerial candidates, edging out Pita Limjaroenrat of the Move Forward Party (MFP), whose Senate endorsement campaign had faltered. Sworn in on August 22, 2023, Srettha’s ascent was akin to a political whirlwind, blowing through Pheu Thai’s lack of a central power figure. With negligible political experience, his reign was often depicted as that of a puppet PM—a notion that did not sit well with many.
In his brief tenure, Srettha was synonymous with frequent diplomatic sojourns and constant sparring with Bank of Thailand governor, Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput, over monetary policy. While Srettha clamored for interest rate cuts to jolt the economy awake, Sethaput staunchly defended the central bank’s autonomy. As if the economic quandary wasn’t enough, Srettha faced criticism for failing to deliver on Pheu Thai’s vaunted digital wallet promise, a key electoral pledge that remained unfulfilled, much to voters’ dismay.
Turmoil truly unfurled when a petition targeted Srettha for appointing Pichit Chuenban, an ex-convict, to the cabinet. The judicial hammer fell hard. On August 14, the Constitutional Court declared Srettha’s actions amounted to a serious ethical lapse, unceremoniously ending his premiership. It was a staggering fall from grace, prompting coalition party leaders to scramble for an immediate replacement.
The plot thickened as political heavyweights gathered at Thaksin Shinawatra’s residence on Charan Sanitwong Road in Bangkok. Initially, Chaikasem Nitisiri, a former attorney-general, emerged as the consensus choice for prime minister. But amidst hushed negotiations, a twist manifested when party members championed a fresh leadership face—the vibrant and politically savvy Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thaksin’s youngest daughter. This push for renewal within Pheu Thai gained traction, overshadowing Chaikasem’s candidacy, cited as being hampered by health issues.
Pledging to embrace the energy of a new political generation and leverage her widespread appeal, Paetongtarn quickly became the focal point of Pheu Thai’s resurgence strategy. Her charisma and capacity to engage with constituents across the nation seemed to resonate profoundly with the party’s base, infusing a sense of hope and continuity. Parliament’s sanctioning of her leadership came swiftly, and by August 16, the mantle of Thailand’s prime minister rested on Paetongtarn’s shoulders.
Thus unfolded a narrative of dizzying political dynamics and shifting alignments, marking yet another chapter in Thailand’s ever-volatile politics. As 2025 dawns, the saga of Srettha’s fleeting governance remains an emblem of how rapidly fortunes can reverse in the high-stakes world of leadership. It leaves an open-ended question: Will Paetongtarn steer with steady hands, or will we witness another whirlwind in the making?
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