Pheu Thai Pleads for Court to Hold Fire
Thailand is teetering on the edge of political upheaval as the fate of suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra hangs in the balance.
On Tuesday, Pheu Thai MP Dr. Cherdchai Tantisiri publicly urged the Constitutional Court to delay its decision, warning that removing the premier now could deepen a growing crisis.
The case stems from a leaked phone call last year between Paetongtarn and Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen, in which she criticised a senior Thai army commander. The controversy has already forced her suspension, leaving a dangerous power vacuum in Bangkok.
Deadly Clashes on the Cambodian Border
The political drama unfolds against a backdrop of rising violence along Thailand’s eastern frontier.
After four days of deadly clashes with Cambodian forces, a fragile ceasefire was reached on July 28 — but tensions remain dangerously high.
Just this Tuesday, a Thai soldier lost a foot in fighting near Surin Province, prompting residents to evacuate. The Royal Thai Army insists it will defend the nation’s sovereignty, as reports emerge of Cambodia allegedly laying landmines along the border.
A Nation on the Brink
Pheu Thai says the court should suspend proceedings for six months to let the government tackle urgent national issues — from the border conflict and US trade talks to domestic crime and land disputes.
Dr. Cherdchai argues a full-time PM is essential to navigate the chaos, not an acting leader with clipped powers.
Still, the party has a contingency plan. If Paetongtarn is removed, veteran politician Chaikasem Nitisiri is ready to step in. Failing that, Pheu Thai may push for a general election — though legal obstacles cloud the path.
Political Rivals Weigh In
Tourism Minister and party secretary-general Sorawong Thienthong dismissed rumours Paetongtarn might resign, saying morale remains strong.
Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul, meanwhile, predicted the next general election will be held in 2026 as planned, ruling out an early poll while the PM is suspended.
Anutin also urged politicians to focus on the pressing challenges at hand rather than party-hopping speculation. Stability, he insisted, is key to avoiding further disruption.
Budget Battles and Senate Oversight
While the PM’s fate dominates headlines, the Senate is combing through the 2026 Budget Act as the House prepares for final readings. Vice Chairman Alongkot Worakit says the chamber’s role is scrutiny — not slashing funds — and insists timely approval is crucial to keep the economy moving.
Rumours of kickbacks and budget rejections were dismissed, with Alongkot stressing that corruption concerns should be aimed at MPs, not senators. The review covers everything from student loan repayments to anti-corruption funding.
Eyes on the Courtroom
For now, Thailand’s future rests with the Constitutional Court. Its ruling could cement Paetongtarn’s position, remove her from office, or plunge the country into a new election battle.
Meanwhile, military tensions, political intrigue, and humanitarian worries along the Cambodian border show no signs of easing.
Pheu Thai’s gamble is clear: delay the verdict, keep the PM in place, and try to steer Thailand through the storm. Whether the judges will agree is another matter entirely.
