Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Paetongtarn Shinawatra

Public opinion and media debates around Paetongtarn Shinawatra—discover key moments of controversy.

Paetongtarn Shinawatra is a Thai politician belonging to the prominent Shinawatra family. In 2023, she became the leader of the Pheu Thai Party. As of 2024, she serves as the 31st prime minister of Thailand. She is the youngest daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and niece of former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra. Nicknamed Ung Ing, Paetongtarn holds the distinction of being the youngest prime minister in Thailand's history and is the second woman to hold the position, after her aunt Yingluck.

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Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

1990: Sale and transfer of the land of the Alpine Golf Course

In 1990, the land of the Alpine Golf Course designated as Sangha property (monastic land)—was sold and transferred to Alpine Real Estate Co., Ltd. and Alpine Golf and Sports Club Co., Ltd. The shareholders of these companies included Uraiwan Thienthong, wife of Sanoh Thienthong, and Chuchip Hansawat.

1997: Land sale to Potjaman Shinawatra

In 1997, the Alpine Golf Course land was sold to Potjaman Shinawatra, wife of then-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, and Yongyuth Wichaidit. A subsequent order revoked the Land Department's cancellation of the land title deed due to its Sangha property status.

March 2004: Paetongtarn enrolls at Chulalongkorn University

In March 2004, Paetongtarn Shinawatra enrolled at Chulalongkorn University after passing Thailand's national university entrance exam. However, questions arose over her admission due to her reportedly low high school GPA and significantly higher second-round entrance exam scores.

August 2005: Woradej appointed as an Assistant Minister of Education.

In August 2005, Woradej, who resigned following a Ministry of Education's review of the investigation around Paetongtarn's enrollment to Chulalongkorn University, was later appointed as an Assistant Minister of Education.

2012: NACC ruling on Yongyuth's actions

In 2012, Thailand's National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) ruled that Yongyuth had acted dishonestly in the Alpine Golf Course land case.

2019: Yongyuth sentenced to prison for corrupt conduct

In 2019, Yongyuth was sentenced to two years in prison by both the Court of First Instance and the Court of Appeal for corrupt conduct related to the Alpine Golf Course land case. Currently, the two companies are owned by Potjaman and her three children, including Paethongtarn Shinawatra.

2022: Cannabis Decriminalization by the Prayut Government

In 2022, Cannabis was decriminalised by the Prayut government in 2022, with the move being most supported by the Bhumjaithai Party (BJT) as one of its flagship policies.

2023: Pheu Thai Party's Anti-Drug Policy

In 2023, the Pheu Thai party ran on an anti-drug policy and opposed the use of cannabis except for medical use.

May 2024: Paetongtarn criticizes the Bank of Thailand

In May 2024, Paetongtarn stated that the independence of the Bank of Thailand (BoT) from the government is a problem and obstacle in fixing economic issues, referencing the 2.50% interest-rate. She criticized BoT monetary policy for refusing to understand and cooperate and for hampering efforts to reduce high levels of debt.

September 2024: Proposed Bill Restricting Cannabis to Medical and Research Reasons

Shortly after becoming Prime Minister, the Ministry of Public Health proposed a new bill on 12 September 2024 restricting cannabis to medical and research reasons. It also proposed the establishment of a Cannabis Control Board (CCB) to regulate the industry.

June 2025: Leak of Paetongtarn's call with Hun Sen

In June 2025, an excerpt of a call between Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Hun Sen was leaked, leading Hun Sen to publish the entire 17-minute call on Facebook on June 18 "to avoid any misunderstanding or misrepresentation". Paetongtarn confirmed that it was her voice in the leaked call.

June 2025: Paetongtarn confirms authenticity of leaked recording

In June 2025, following the leak of her phone call with Hun Sen, Paetongtarn confirmed the recording's authenticity and defended her remarks as an off-the-record negotiation strategy. She accused Hun Sen of breaching diplomatic trust and implied the leak was orchestrated to boost his domestic popularity. She announced she would refrain from future private discussions due to trust issues.

2025: Rising Cannabis Smuggling and New Restrictions

By 2025, tourists smuggling cannabis out from Thailand was on the rise. On May 22, the Paetongtarn government announced it planned to introduce new restrictions limiting cannabis usage to individuals (including foreigners) with medical prescriptions from doctors.