Thailand’s Shinawatra family faces a decisive political test as courts prepare rulings that could threaten both Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and her father, former leader Thaksin Shinawatra, Reuters reported.
On Friday, judges will rule on whether Thaksin insulted the monarchy during a 2015 interview, an offence carrying up to 15 years in prison per count. Days later, another court will consider whether his 2023 hospital detention meant he avoided serving part of his sentence for abuse of power.
Separately, Paetongtarn could be unseated over an alleged ethics violation. Unfavorable verdicts would weaken the family’s influence, risk an early election, and further strain Thailand’s fragile economy. Analysts say the ruling Pheu Thai party is unlikely to regain its former electoral strength, Reuters reported.