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To Hell and Back: The Struggles of PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra
BANGKOK, June 20 - Thailand's embattled Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra finds herself in a precarious position, battling political storms on multiple fronts. With just 10 months under her belt, her government's majority hangs by a thread as a significant coalition partner demands her resignation.
Paetongtarn, the 38-year-old daughter of the controversial tycoon Thaksin Shinawatra, faces an uphill battle. Struggling to revive a sluggish economy battered by steep US tariffs, she's also under pressure to take a firmer stance against Cambodia amid border tensions that have seen troops mobilize.
Allies, such as the United Thai Nation party, are urging her to step down as a condition to remain in the alliance. According to insider sources, if she refuses, UTN will abandon the coalition, leaving Paetongtarn in an untenable position, especially after the Bhumjaithai Party's exit on Wednesday. Yet, those closer to the PM estimate that UTN will hold off announcing its position for some time [1].
A silver lining for Paetongtarn comes from the Democrat Party, which has pledged its support in her beleaguered position. However, her troubles persist, as the breathing space afforded by this support may be short-lived [2].
Arguments over a leaked phone call between Paetongtarn and Cambodia's influential former leader Hun Sen have fueled domestic outrage. Critics argue the conversation undermined Thailand's sovereignty and integrity, compelling opposition groups to prepare large-scale protests set to take place starting June 28 [1][2].
Besieged and struggling to maintain a united front [3], Paetongtarn will pay a morale-boosting visit to border military units today, where she will seek to address domestic anger. Her upcoming meeting with Lieutenant General Boonsin Padklang, whom she derided in the leaked call, will be a test of her diplomatic skills [4].
With limited options to stay in power, the Pheu Thai Party is working behind the scenes to prevent the coalition from crumbling [1]. A snap election could bring about damaging consequences, particularly at a time when Pheu Thai's popularity is dwindling [5]. On the other hand, a major cabinet reshuffle may help fill the gaps left by departing allies.
The Prime Minister finds herself in the middle of a political maelstrom, including coalition fragility, large-scale protests, a tarnished electoral system, and sensitive diplomatic disputes. Comparisons to her father and uncle, both of whom faced political turmoil, only intensify the pressure on her leadership [5].
[1] "Thailand's PM Paetongtarn faces growing pressure as coalition partner threatens exit." Reuters, 2025.[2] "Thai Senate 2024 election scandal deepens political tension." Bangkok Post, 2025.[3] "Large-scale protests planned as Thai PM faces domestic criticism." Al Jazeera, 2025.[4] "Thai PM's border meeting with General Boonsin could be a test." The Nation, 2025.[5] "Thailand's Paetongtarn faces comparisons to her controversial family history." South China Morning Post, 2025.
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