BANGKOK – Thailand’s Constitutional Court has dismissed a petition against former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and the Pheu Thai Party, providing a significant boost to the government led by Thaksin’s daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The court’s decision, announced on Nov 22, removes a key source of political uncertainty for the administration that has been in power for less than three months.
The petition, filed by activist lawyer Theerayuth Suwankaesorn, accused Thaksin and Pheu Thai of attempting to undermine Thailand’s democratic system with the monarchy as its head of state. The Constitutional Court’s rejection of the case spares the government from immediate legal challenges that could destabilize its position.
Though not an official member of the Pheu Thai Party, Thaksin is considered its de facto leader and wields considerable influence over its policies and direction. His return to Thailand in 2023 after 15 years in exile was widely interpreted as part of a political agreement with the royalist establishment. Since his return, Thaksin has actively participated in policy discussions and election campaigns for Pheu Thai.
The court’s decision is seen as a relief for Paetongtarn’s government, which has faced scrutiny over allegations of Thaksin’s control and influence. The Election Commission is also investigating similar claims, which could pose future legal risks for the ruling party.
This development comes after a turbulent year in Thai politics, including the Constitutional Court’s controversial dissolution of the reformist Move Forward Party, which won the most seats in the 2023 general election. Move Forward was blocked from forming a government due to opposition from royalist and military-backed factions, which later aligned with Pheu Thai to retain power.
The court’s dismissal of the case against Thaksin and Pheu Thai provides temporary political stability and may ease investor concerns as the government focuses on reviving Thailand’s struggling economy. However, legal challenges and opposition criticism remain potential obstacles for the administration in the months ahead.