Thailand: What's next after PM Paetongtarn leaves office? DW 08/29/2025
Briefly

Paetongtarn Shinawatra, 39, was removed from the prime ministership after the Constitutional Court ruled she violated ethics rules. She is the daughter of Thaksin Shinawatra, niece of Yingluck Shinawatra, and leader of the Pheu Thai party, which formed a controversial 2023 alliance with pro-military forces. Paetongtarn was suspended in July after a leaked phone call with Cambodian leader Hun Sen during a deadly border clash, in which she called him "uncle," expressed affection, and criticized Thai military commanders. She said the remarks aimed to negotiate to prevent conflict and save lives. Bhumjaithai quit the coalition, narrowing Pheu Thai's majority and raising coup fears. Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai remains caretaker until the House selects a new prime minister.
At 39 years old, Paetongtarn is the youngest prime minister in the history of Thailand. She boasts impressive political connections as the daughter of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and niece of yet another prime minister, Yingluck Shinawatra. She is also the head of the Pheu Thai party, which controversially formed an alliance with pro-military forces in 2023 to form the current government.
Paetongtarn was suspended in early July over a leaked phone call with veteran Cambodian leader Hun Sen amid a deadly border conflict. In the call, Paetongtarn referred to the elderly former dictator as "uncle," professed love and respect for him, and criticized her own military commanders. Paetongtarn has insisted that her comments were a negotiating tactic to prevent conflict at the border and save lives.
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