What's next for Thai politics?

Thai politics has once again reached a critical juncture with the government facing numerous challenges.

The suspension of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, pending a constitutional court decision over a leaked phone call with Cambodia’s former leader Hun Sen, has left the country with only an acting prime minister amid an ongoing border crisis and faltering economy.

Paetongtarn’s father, Thaksin Shinawatra, the former prime minister, regarded as the power behind the ruling Pheu Thai party, is facing two court cases that could see him go to jail.

Meanwhile, the ruling coalition is hanging on to power by a slender majority in parliament after the withdrawal from the coalition of the Bhumjaithai party in June.

As public confidence in the government declines, there have been protests on the streets of Bangkok.

Is the country heading towards another political crisis? Are we seeing the return of the vicious cycles of protests, coups and other turbulence that have plagued Thailand over the past two decades?

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Panelists include:

‍Rudklao Intawong Suwankiri, former deputy government spokesperson, United Thai Nation Party.

‍Verapat Pariyawong, former special counsel to the deputy PM of Thailand and founder of VLA Law office.

‍Chaiwat Sathawornwichit, People's Party MP.

‍Chalat Ratchakitprakarn, Bhumjaithai MP.

Moderator: Panu Wongcha-um, FCCT president and Reuters senior correspondent.

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Photo credit: Panu Wongcha-um