The Monocle Daily Thailand’s PM is suspended by court
Aug 29, 2025
Fernando Augusto Pacheco, Monocle's senior correspondent, dives into the political chaos in Thailand with the suspension of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, linking it to a scandal involving a leaked call. He also explores evolving relations between China and Brazil amidst new trade dynamics. The podcast touches on fashion's changing landscape with new leadership at Maison Margiela and addresses the decline in young adult beer consumption in Europe, highlighting shifting nightlife behaviors and the impact of health trends.
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Why Thailand's Courts Keep Ousting PMs
- Thailand's constitutional court repeatedly removes prime ministers to protect established, military-connected interests.
- Thaksin-linked politics retain strong rural support, so the family and allies can re-emerge through parties rather than direct family succession.
Leaked Call Sparked The Downfall
- Paetongtarn Shinawatra lost her job after a leaked phone call with Hun Sen insulted the Thai army and called him 'uncle'.
- Tim Forsyth suggests Hun Sen likely intended the leak to damage her politically and hasten her exit.
Shinawatra Politics Survive By Reinvention
- The Shinawatra political machine adapts by creating allied parties when family members are sidelined.
- Their continued strength rests on speaking directly to rural, poorer voters who reliably support them.