‘Train-wreck Day’ for Thailand as courts hold political future in their hands

Thailand faces fresh political instability with a flurry of potentially decisive court cases driven by conservative powers seeking to banish the radical opposition and undermine the government – perhaps fatally – in the same time frame.

The kingdom has been locked in a spin cycle of political chaos, coups and short-lived governments for decades, as the royalist establishment backed by the army refuses to cede power to elected governments.

That power struggle often plays out through the courts, which have regularly dissolved parties and banned politicians, ensuring conservative old power is never far from returning to the table.

Tuesday is being cast as “Judgement Day” or “Train-wreck Day” by Thai media, as courts will hear evidence against Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin that could lead to him being suspended and the government imploding; billionaire ex-leader Thakin Shinawatra faces formal indictment for royal defamation, the opposition Move Forward Party may discover if it is to be dissolved and judges decide if selection of a new Senate may be put on hold.

Some, none or all, may happen, but the maelstrom of uncertainty has frightened the stock market and put the public on red alert that backroom manoeuvres may be about to change the political landscape.

This Week in Asia untangles another tortuous week in Thai politics.

Srettha Thavisin, 62, a real estate tycoon and political newcomer, was catapulted into the prime minister’s office in August last year despite failing to win the election. Instead, Move Forward Party won the most seats and votes, yet was blocked from forming a government by the appointed senators. Srettha’s Pheu Thai party then shoved Move Forward aside as it moved into office in an awkward coalition with