Srettha Thavisin<\/a> was removed from office in a shock court ruling last year by the same Constitutional Court.\n <\/p>\n\n Srettha had led the Pheu Thai Party in forming a government with its conservative and pro-military rivals following the 2023 election. The uneasy coalition was forged to prevent the progressive Move Forward Party, which won the most votes, from taking office after it promised deep-seated reforms to Thai ruling institutions, including the monarchy.\n <\/p>\n
\n With Pheu Thai in power again, Thaksin \u2014 who continued to play an outsized role in politics behind the scenes despite his absence \u2014 was allowed to return to his home country.\n <\/p>\n
\n The verdict against Paetongtarn could spell trouble for the powerful Shinawatra family\u2019s political fortunes.\n <\/p>\n
\n The clan have dominated Thai politics for more than 20 years, but the government is now on shaky ground. Internal conflict in the ruling coalition and the delayed rollout of flagship policies has dented its ability to govern at a time when the economy is faltering. The leaked phone call plummeted the party\u2019s already declining popularity.\n <\/p>\n
\n Now that Paetongtarn has been removed from office, her cabinet will also be dismissed. Those employed as ministers will be placed in acting roles until a new prime minister is voted in, when the cabinet will be reappointed.\n <\/p>\n
\n Pheu Thai must nominate a new candidate for prime minister, which will be voted on by the 500-seat parliament. Their last remaining choice is former justice minister Chaikasem Nitisiri, though it is unclear whether he would get the necessary votes from the party\u2019s coalition partners.\n <\/p>\n
\n Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul, who would be another candidate for prime minister, quit the coalition and resigned as deputy prime minister and interior minister over Paetongtarn\u2019s leaked phone call.\n <\/p>\n
\n If the party fails to put forward a new prime minister, it raises the prospect of new elections, with Pheu Thai in a much weaker position.\n <\/p>\n
\n Some analysts say the establishment would still favor the Thaksin-backed party as it would act as a firewall against the main opposition People\u2019s Party, which is seen as a major disrupter to the Thai establishment with its reformist agenda and high approval ratings.\n <\/p>\n
\n This story has been updated with developments.<\/em>\n <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n