Summary of Thai Political and Economic News

List of Key Chapter Titles

1. Political News
2. Thailand - Cambodia Conflict
3. Economic News
4. Political News Headlines in Thai Media
5. Economic News Headlines in Thai Media
6. Issues to be watched out for
7. Key Data
8. Trading Breakdown on the Stock Exchange of Thailand
9. Background Information

Document Introduction

This report is based on information from the Thai English-language media "Thai Enquirer" dated July 3, 2025, and related dates. It systematically outlines the current political uncertainty, constitutional crisis, diplomatic disputes, and macroeconomic challenges facing Thailand. The report focuses on the chain of reactions triggered by the suspension of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra by the Constitutional Court. It analyzes the realignment of domestic political forces in Thailand, constitutional procedural controversies, diplomatic friction with Cambodia, and assesses the potential impact of political turmoil on Thailand's economic growth, fiscal budget, stock market, and trade negotiations with the United States.

The report first details the constitutional controversy surrounding the suspension of Prime Minister Paetongtarn and her concurrent qualification as Minister of Culture. The Senate is considering referring related issues to the Constitutional Court for a ruling, aiming to establish a legal precedent. Simultaneously, the report tracks the swearing-in process of the caretaker cabinet, arrangements for acting prime minister candidates (Suriya Juangroongruangkit and Phongthep Thepkanjana), and the strategic moves and potential new prime minister candidate games among major political parties (including the Pheu Thai Party, the Palang Pracharath Party, the Bhumjaithai Party, the Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party, etc.) in the post-Paetongtarn era. This section reveals the operational mechanisms of the Thai political system during a crisis and potential paths for power realignment.

On the diplomatic front, the report focuses on analyzing the tension in Thailand-Cambodia relations caused by the leaked conversation between Paetongtarn and Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen. The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs publicly accused Cambodia of interfering in internal affairs, violating ASEAN and UN Charters. Concurrently, sovereignty disputes between the two countries in border areas (such as the Ta Muean Thom ancient temple in Surin Province) have resurfaced. The Thai military explicitly refuted the legitimacy of Google Maps' markings, emphasizing the defense of sovereignty based on historical and geographical evidence. This section highlights the geopolitical risk of domestic political crises spilling over into regional bilateral relations.

In the economic section, the report presents Thailand's economic prospects under the shadow of political uncertainty. The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) has lowered its 2025 economic growth forecast to 1.5%-2.0%, citing risks such as weak domestic demand, slower-than-expected recovery of Chinese tourists, delayed budget deliberations, and potential significant export contraction. Meanwhile, the report follows the progress of Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira's delegation to the United States for negotiations seeking to reduce punitive tariffs on Thai goods by the US, which is crucial for Thailand's export-oriented economy. Furthermore, the Thai stock market (SET) rebounded as the political situation became slightly clearer, but investors are still waiting for more catalysts. Market sentiment and capital flow data (including trading behaviors of institutions, foreign investors, and retail investors) are also presented in the report.

This report integrates first-hand information from government statements, political party leader statements, economic institution forecasts, and market data. It provides researchers with a detailed context and key nodes for understanding the intersecting political and economic crisis in mid-2025 Thailand. The report includes a timeline of major events to watch in the coming months, including the Constitutional Court's final ruling on the Paetongtarn case, monthly economic data releases, monetary policy meetings, etc., helping readers track subsequent developments.