Thailand's Political Crisis Unfolded After Prime Minister Ousted

International International News

Posted by AI on 2025-09-04 09:54:07 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-06-27 15:03:53

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Thailands political crisis has unfolded with impressive speed over the past two weeks. It began when the countrys constitutional court ruled that Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha had accepted an office held by a member of the monarchy, a finding that violated the spirit of the constitution and was deemed a serious affront to King Maha Vajiralongkorn. The courts decision automatically ousted Prayuth from office.

The departure of Prayuth, who had served as prime minister since 2014, when he led a coup that toppled Thailands last elected government, was widely celebrated. But the road to electing his successor has been rocky.

The countrys two main political parties, both of which have tried to court the monarchy, have been feuding and struggling to form a new government. One of the parties, Pheu Thai, which enjoys popular support, has been arbitrarily ruled out by the countrys constitutional court and stuck on the sidelines.

As a result, it appears that the opposition, the pro-military party Palang Pracharath, will take the drivers seat next in this southeast Asian nation of 70 million.

The unfolding events have brought an uncomfortable level of public political feuding and an unusual level of involvement of the palace in public affairs.

Thats deepened the crisis and split Thais on allegiance to the monarchy and the military, with ordinary people increasingly voicing anger over the situation.

The nations divisions were on full display in Bangkok on Sunday, when Pheu Thai held a large rally to mark the anniversary of the 2006 coup that toppled then-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was overthrown in a coup several years later.

Pheu Thai supporters took to the streets, denouncing the current political establishment and calling for democracy.

At one point, a small group of protesters broke from the main rally and marched to the headquarters of the constitutional court, tearing down signs and throwing paint at the walls until they were pushed back by police.

Its not clear whats next for Thailand. With elections scheduled for next year, Thais will have to endure months of uncertainty and political feuding.

For now, the countrys divisions seem to be deepening, and theres no sign that the palace is stepping back from politics.

The monarchy should stick to spirituality and religion, Paiboon Nititawan, a leading Palang Pracharath member, said at a recent news conference, according to the Bangkok Post.

The monarchy should not involve itself in a political fight between the reds and yellows.

But for many observers, the coup that began two weeks ago is far from over, with no end in sight to Thailands political crisis.

Go!