Thai ruling party grapples with border crisis thorny court case amid bleak economy

BANGKOK – Thailand’s ruling party, besieged by a faltering economy and a border crisis, faces more uncertainty this week as the Supreme Court begins hearing a case that could lead to jail time for its most influential politician, Mr Thaksin Shinawatra.

The billionaire former premier, and the driving force behind the government of his daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra, skipped prison on his return in 2023 from 15 years of self-exile by serving his detention in hospital, on grounds of ill health.

But this week’s proceedings could add to mounting troubles for political newcomer Paetongtarn and her Pheu Thai Party, if the court deems the hospital detention unlawful and orders Mr Thaksin to serve his original prison time.

“There is already a crisis of confidence for the Prime Minister,” said Dr Wanwichit Boonprong, a political science lecturer at Rangsit University.

“Many people feel the government cannot handle all the crises the country is facing.”

An escalation in a border row with Cambodia has also rattled Ms Paetongtarn’s government, with Thailand’s politically powerful military, which overthrew Shinawatra governments in 2006 and 2014, making its presence felt as nationalist rhetoric heats up.

Critics will scrutinise the government’s handling of critical talks with its neighbour set for June 14, amid growing public unease over its management of an economy shackled by crippling household debt.

A negative outcome in Mr Thaksin’s case and the border dispute would ratchet up the pressure on Pheu Thai, say analysts, both in the ruling coalition and among the public, as protest simmers.

But veteran Pheu Thai politician Somkid Chuekong dismissed any potential political impact from Mr Thaksin’s case, emphasising that he has no direct say in government affairs.

“He has only expressed his thoughts and suggestions on the government’s work,” said Mr Somkid, who is Ms Paetongtarn’s deputy secretary-general.

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