Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra started reshuffling her cabinet on Monday. This move comes as her government faces a serious political and legal crisis, triggered by a leaked phone call.

The 38-year-old leader, daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, began filling ministerial positions left vacant after a major coalition partner withdrew support last week. That exit nearly collapsed her government.

Paetongtarn has been in office for less than a year and is now struggling to hold on. Along with managing political reshuffling, she must also deal with a looming Constitutional Court case. If the court rules against her, she could be removed from office.

Leaked Call Sparks Outrage

Last week, critics demanded that she resign or call for new elections. They accused her of harming Thailand’s interests and disrespecting the military during her conversation with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen. The call focused on a long-standing border dispute.

Following the controversy, the conservative Bhumjaithai Party pulled out of the ruling coalition led by Paetongtarn’s Pheu Thai Party. This exit reduced her parliamentary support to a very slim majority.

Coalition Holds for Now

However, the crisis seemed to settle slightly as remaining coalition partners decided to stay. On Monday, Pheu Thai’s secretary general, Sorawong Thienthong, told AFP, “None of the other parties are pulling out – the remaining parties are staying united with the government.”

He also added, “The prime minister has discussed the reshuffle with other political leaders.”

Officials expect the new cabinet lineup to be announced by Friday. Key positions, including the defence ministry, are likely to change due to ongoing tensions with Cambodia.

A Fragile Majority

After Bhumjaithai’s exit, the government holds only slightly more than the 248 seats needed for a majority in parliament. This makes the coalition very vulnerable to any further defections.

Even if Paetongtarn survives this political setback, the legal threat from the Constitutional Court could still bring her down.

Legal Trouble Ahead

A group of conservative senators has filed a petition with the court, asking for her removal. They claim her phone call with Hun Sen violated constitutional standards.

This same court removed former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin from office in August last year over an ethics case. He had also led a government backed by Thaksin’s political network.

History Repeats Itself

Paetongtarn is not the first Shinawatra-linked leader to face removal. Her father Thaksin, her aunt Yingluck Shinawatra, and several other allies have all been ousted either by court rulings or military coups.

For two decades, Thailand has experienced political instability. The main conflict lies between the pro-royalist military establishment and parties loyal to Thaksin.

Although Thaksin, now 75, still enjoys strong support from rural voters, Thailand’s elite sees him as a threat. They continue to oppose him and his political influence.