What's happened
Thailand is moving toward a new prime minister after the Constitutional Court ousted Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra for ethics violations. Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of Bhumjaithai, is widely supported by lawmakers and is expected to be formally nominated to lead the government. The political landscape remains volatile amid calls for new elections.
What's behind the headline?
Thailand's political landscape is entering a critical phase, with Anutin Charnvirakul poised to become the next prime minister. His support from over half the lower house indicates a significant shift, but the opposition's demand for fresh elections underscores ongoing instability. The opposition's strategy to leverage the support of the People’s Party, which refuses to join any government and insists on dissolving parliament within four months, signals a potential deadlock. The recent court decisions targeting Pheu Thai and move to dissolve the previous coalition reflect a broader effort by conservative forces to reassert control and limit reformist influence. This political turbulence suggests Thailand's democracy remains fragile, with military and judicial institutions still wielding considerable influence. The next few weeks will determine whether the country stabilizes under a new government or plunges into further uncertainty, with the risk of military intervention still looming. The outcome will significantly impact Thailand’s political trajectory and its efforts toward electoral reform and constitutional change.
What the papers say
The Independent highlights Anutin's political resilience and his ability to navigate Thailand’s polarized landscape, emphasizing his support base and recent political maneuvers. AP News underscores his support from lawmakers and the likelihood of his formal nomination, framing him as the clear frontrunner. Bloomberg provides insight into the parliamentary support he has garnered, noting that his support exceeds the majority threshold. Meanwhile, South China Morning Post details the broader political context, including the opposition's demands for new elections and the ongoing instability following the ousting of Pheu Thai's leader. The coverage from Bloomberg and the Japan Times collectively illustrate the complex negotiations and the fragile balance of power, with opposition parties demanding electoral reforms and the current government facing mounting pressure. The contrasting perspectives reveal a landscape where support for Anutin is strong but contested by opposition forces seeking to reshape Thailand’s political future.
How we got here
The political crisis began with the ousting of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra by the Constitutional Court for an ethics breach related to a leaked call with Cambodia. Her coalition government split, creating a power vacuum. The opposition, led by the People’s Party, is demanding new elections and has been courting support from other parties, including Bhumjaithai, to form a new government. Anutin, a seasoned politician and leader of Bhumjaithai, has emerged as the frontrunner, supported by a majority of lawmakers, amid ongoing tensions over constitutional reforms and electoral legitimacy.
Go deeper
Common question
-
What Caused Thailand's Coalition Government to Collapse?
Thailand's political landscape is in turmoil following the recent ousting of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. This upheaval has raised many questions about what led to the collapse of the coalition government, who might take over now, and what the future holds for Thailand’s democracy. Below, we explore the key events and implications of this political shakeup.
-
How Does Thailand's Political Shakeup Impact Southeast Asia?
Thailand's recent political turmoil, including the removal of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and ongoing protests, has raised concerns about regional stability. As the country seeks new leadership and pushes for constitutional reforms, many wonder how these changes could influence neighboring nations and the broader Southeast Asian region. Below, we explore key questions about the implications of Thailand's political upheaval and what it means for the future of Southeast Asia.
-
Why was Thailand's Prime Minister ousted?
Thailand is currently experiencing a major political shake-up following the removal of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. This has raised many questions about the reasons behind her ousting, the future leadership, and what it means for Thailand's political stability. Below, we explore the key details and answer common questions about this unfolding situation.
-
Who Is the New Thai Prime Minister and Why Did the Change Happen?
Thailand is currently experiencing a major political shift following the ousting of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of Bhumjaithai, is emerging as the frontrunner to lead the country. But what led to this change, and what does it mean for Thailand’s future? Below, we answer the most common questions about the current political landscape and what might happen next.
-
What Are the Latest Political and Economic Trends Globally?
Stay informed with the latest updates on political shifts in Southeast Asia, UK housing market changes, and the overall outlook for global stability. These topics are shaping the world today, and understanding them can help you make sense of current events. Below, find answers to common questions about these pressing issues.
More on these topics
-
Paetongtarn Shinawatra (born 21 August 1986) is a Thai politician and businesswoman who served as the 31st prime minister of Thailand from 2024 until her removal from office in 2025. A member of the Pheu Thai Party, daughter of the 23rd prime minister...
-
Anutin Charnvirakul is a Thai politician. As of 2020, he serves as Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Public Health.
-
Bhumjaithai Party was founded on 5 November 2008, in anticipation of the 2 December 2008, Constitutional Court of Thailand ruling that dissolved its "de facto predecessor", the Neutral Democratic Party, along with the People's Power Party, and the Thai Na
-
Thailand, officially the Kingdom of Thailand and formerly known as Siam, is a country in Southeast Asia. Located at the centre of the Indochinese Peninsula, it is composed of 76 provinces, and covers an area of 513,120 square kilometres, and a population
-
Phumtham Wechayachai (Thai: ภูมิธรรม เวชยชัย, RTGS: Phumtham Wetchayachai, pronounced [pʰūːm.tʰām wêːt.tɕʰá.já.tɕʰāj]; born 5 December 1953) is a Thai politician who served as the acting Prime Minister of Thail
-
Hun Sen is a Cambodian politician who has served as the Prime Minister of Cambodia since 1985, the longest-serving head of government of Cambodia, and one of the longest-serving leaders in the world.
-
Thaksin Shinawatra is a Thai businessman, politician and visiting professor. He served in the Thai Police from 1973 to 1987, and was the Prime Minister of Thailand from 2001 to 2006.
-
The Pheu Thai Party (PTP or PT) is a major populist political party in Thailand. It is the third incarnation of the Thai Rak Thai Party, a political party founded by former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra in 1998. Like the previous incarnations, Pheu...
-
The Constitutional Court, officially the Constitutional Court of the Kingdom of Thailand, is a Thai court created by the 1997 constitution with jurisdiction over the constitutionality of parliamentary acts, royal decrees, draft legislation, as well as the