Struggles persist at the borderline
The Pheu Thai-led government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, is grappling with a significant political crisis that threatens its stability. This administration, which took over from Srettha Thavisin after his removal by the Constitutional Court in August 2024, is facing multiple challenges, including a major scandal over the 2024 Senate election and the ongoing Thai-Cambodian border conflict.
The border conflict, which has been causing erosion of confidence in the ruling party, particularly in the lower Northeast, reached a boiling point in mid-2025. A controversial leaked 9-minute audio from a 17-minute phone call on June 15, 2025, between Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Cambodia’s Senate President and ex-Prime Minister Hun Sen, sparked political disputes and undermined unified governmental control and diplomacy. In the leak, Paetongtarn was critical of Thailand’s military commander responsible for border security, Lieutenant General Boonsin Padklang.
The Pheu Thai government's image and authority have been destabilized by this incident, exacerbating the ongoing political crisis marked by election fraud allegations and internal coalition tensions. The Shinawatra political dynasty, once dominant, is now facing waning popular support, with surveys suggesting Pheu Thai would likely fall to third place behind more progressive and conservative parties if an election were held today.
The government's handling of the border conflict has been criticized, with Bhumjaithai Party deputy leader Siripong Angkasakulkiat stating that it should have relied on formal, state-level diplomacy. Siripong also points out a lack of coordination and strategic direction within the administration, with many officials hesitant to act without clear instructions.
Public doubts about the Paetongtarn administration's possible hidden agendas are due to the Shinawatra family's close ties with Cambodian strongman Hun Sen. The government has been criticized for failing to manage crisis communication effectively, contributing to the decline in public confidence that started before the recent border clashes.
Korkaew Pikulthong, a Pheu Thai list-MP, suggests the court's decision regarding Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra will be crucial for the party's future. If the court rules against Paetongtarn, she may be removed from office, which could lead to a significant fallout for the party.
Siripong believes the Pheu Thai-led government has missed its chance to prove itself and now faces a full-blown crisis of public faith. He believes the government's future hinges on two key events: the court's ruling on Paetongtarn's case and the outcome of the next censure debate. Based on the current public mood, it's hard to see this administration lasting much longer.
However, Korkaew believes the Shinawatra family still holds political clout, with Thaksin Shinawatra commanding more public confidence than many other political figures. Some believe Thaksin Shinawatra may have asked for Malaysian intervention due to his complex relationship with Hun Sen.
In an effort to revive the economy, Korkaew suggests a digital wallet could ensure money is spent effectively. Despite the challenges, the Pheu Thai government continues to face a volatile political environment, with the fate of the administration hanging in the balance.
[1] The Nation Thailand [2] Bangkok Post [3] Khaosod English [4] Reuters
- The ongoing Thai-Cambodian border conflict, a major issue causing public disapproval, has led to disputes within policy-and-legislation, particularly in the area of war-and-conflicts, as the Pheu Thai-led government struggles for unity and effective diplomacy.
- General-news outlets have reported that the Shinawatra family's close ties with Cambodia's ex-Prime Minister Hun Sen have led to public concerns about possible hidden agendas, adding to the crisis of confidence in the Pheu Thai-led government, with crime-and-justice accusations also affecting the administration's future.
