Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is facing a surge of legal challenges just days after taking office, raising concerns about political instability in Thailand and introducing uncertainties regarding the country’s gaming industry development.
According to Bloomberg, several political activists and opponents have filed approximately a dozen complaints with the Election Commission, the anti-corruption agency, and prosecutors. These complaints allege that the 38-year-old Prime Minister has breached ethical standards and is unduly influenced by her father, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
As the third member of the influential Shinawatra family to hold the top political position, Paetongtarn assumed office as Thailand’s youngest Prime Minister on August 16th. Thai law allows for disqualification in cases of ethical breaches, and her Pheu Thai Party also faces potential dissolution due to alleged ties with Thaksin, who is not a party member.
As previously reported by AGB, Paetongtarn and her father, Thaksin, have publicly supported the development of an entertainment complex featuring a casino in Thailand. Meanwhile, Julapun Amornvivat, a key advocate for legalizing casinos and a member of the Pheu Thai Party, continues to serve as deputy finance minister.
Thailand is still recovering from a political crisis following the Constitutional Court’s dismissal of former leader Srettha Thavisin, who was found guilty of an ethical violation by a group of senators. Should any of the petitions reach the courts, Paetongtarn risks removal from office or even a lifetime ban from politics.
These petitions could also lead to the dissolution of her Pheu Thai Party and other political groups within the ruling coalition.
Paetongtarn has downplayed the significance of these challenges, focusing instead on revitalizing the nation’s economy, which is burdened by near-record household debt and a high cost of living. She plans to announce a comprehensive debt restructuring plan, provide financial support to small businesses, and accelerate fiscal stimulus measures to boost growth later this week.
She has stated that she will handle the legal challenges to the best of her abilities and has asked for sympathy, urging that not too many complaints be filed against her.
