BANGKOK — Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is set to face a no-confidence motion in parliament starting Monday (March 24), with the opposition questioning her leadership over economic struggles and her father’s perceived influence on her administration. Despite modest approval ratings in polls, Paetongtarn remains in a stable position, as the ruling coalition holds a parliamentary majority, making it unlikely that the motion will succeed when put to a vote last Wednesday.

The opposition People's Party has accused her of being guided by her father, Thaksin Shinawatra, a controversial former prime minister who was convicted of conflicts of interest and abuse of power. Thaksin, a billionaire political figure, lived in self-exile for 15 years before returning to Thailand in 2023. He spent six months in hospital detention under a government led by the Pheu Thai Party, which he founded, before being released on parole.

Thaksin, considered one of Thailand’s most influential political figures over the past two decades, has openly discussed policies such as legalizing gambling, promoting cryptocurrency, and introducing a US$14 billion (S$18.7 billion) economic stimulus package—all of which the current Pheu Thai-led government has pursued.

Paetongtarn has denied being under her father’s influence, while Thaksin, now 75, has claimed he is retired and only offers occasional advice. Thailand's economy has struggled to gain momentum, with last year’s 2.5% growth lagging behind its regional counterparts. Structural economic challenges, including high household debt amounting to 16.34 trillion baht (S$644.7 billion) or 89% of GDP—one of the highest in Asia—remain a major concern, which the opposition argues the government has failed to address.

Due to parliamentary rules prohibiting the mention of outsiders, lawmakers will not be able to name Thaksin directly during the debate but will be allowed to refer to him as a “family member.” Yuttaporn Issarachai, a political analyst at Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, noted that targeting Thaksin’s alleged involvement is a familiar opposition strategy, but it shifts attention away from critical issues such as economic policies and national security. Paetongtarn, 38, assumed office in August after her political ally, Srettha Thavisin, was removed by the courts over an ethics violation. She is the fourth member of the Shinawatra family to serve as Thailand’s prime minister.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.