Thailand Political Factions Jostle Power After PM Ouster

Thailand faces a political power struggle following the Constitutional Court's dismissal of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra for an ethics violation, marking the sixth ousting of a Shinawatra-backed premier in two decades. Two main political blocs are competing to form the next government, with no clear timeline for electing a new prime minister as the constitution sets no deadline for the vote. The Pheu Thai party, founded by Paetongtarn's father Thaksin Shinawatra, struggles to maintain its coalition amid declining public support, while its former ally Bhumjaithai, led by Anutin Charnvirakul, actively seeks defections and has pledged an election within four months. Anutin claims to already have the votes necessary to form a government, positioning himself as a key figure in the unfolding realignment. Meanwhile, the opposition People's Party, the largest in parliament and a reincarnation of the 2023 election winner, emerges as a potential kingmaker in this uncertain political landscape. The ongoing jockeying among factions raises concerns about possible deadlock amid economic challenges and public unease in Southeast Asia's second-largest economy.