The suspension of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has set Thailand’s already frayed ruling coalition back. The court’s decision to suspend the 38 year-old Primer is stirring up concerns about the country’s economy and doubts about Paetongtarn’s political future.
The Primer’s suspension comes at a trying time for the country’s economy and ruling coalition. Last month, the ruling coalition’s biggest partner, the Bhumjaithai party, exited following prolonged infighting.
Meanwhile, economic growth is slowing compared Thailand’s neighbors and weighed down by threats of Trump’s tariffs policy. In May, the government slashed its 2025 growth forecast to 1.3%, down a percentage point.
The Constitutional Court’s decision to suspend the Primer followed a leaked phone conversation of Paetongtarn allegedly criticizing the military and siding with Cambodia on a border dispute. She has 15 days to respond to the court’s decision.
In the meantime, Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit will lead the coalition government as interim prime minister.
