Thailand faces political scramble after prime minister’s dismissal

 

Thailand has entered a period of political uncertainty following the dismissal of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra by the Constitutional Court for an ethics violation. Her removal immediately set off a frenzy of political maneuvering, with rival factions competing to assemble enough support to claim power. The ruling alliance, led by Pheu Thai, attempted to project unity, but cracks quickly began to show as a former coalition partner, Bhumjaithai, sought to capitalize on the crisis.

Anutin Charnvirakul, the leader of Bhumjaithai, emerged as a central figure on Friday as he met with other parties in a bid to rally votes. Promising an election within four months, he signaled his readiness to step into the leadership vacuum. Cameras followed his every move, underscoring his growing prominence in the power struggle.

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The process to choose a new prime minister has no clear timeline under the constitution, raising fears of extended political deadlock. Acting premier Phumtham Wechayachai of Pheu Thai insisted his party still had a path to hold power, stressing that alliances could shift again in their favor. With multiple factions competing, the future of Thailand’s government remains highly uncertain.

The dismissal of Paetongtarn marks the latest chapter in the Shinawatra family’s turbulent political history. Over the last two decades, six prime ministers from or backed by the family have been ousted by either the military or the judiciary. Pheu Thai, the party founded by her father Thaksin Shinawatra, is now facing its steepest challenge yet as it struggles with declining public support and weakening coalitions.

Anutin Charnvirakul, whose Bhumjaithai party once partnered with Pheu Thai, appears to have seized the momentum. Surrounded by factions willing to switch allegiances, he claimed to already have enough votes to form a government. Analysts suggest his political experience and strong base give him an advantage in navigating the uncertainty.

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Yet another critical player has emerged in the opposition People’s Party, which holds nearly a third of the seats in parliament. Although the group has vowed not to join any government, it has indicated it could support parties willing to commit to early elections and a referendum on constitutional reform. This makes them a kingmaker capable of influencing the balance of power.

With no deadline for parliament to act, the stalemate risks dragging on, deepening unease in Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy.