Thailand’s Constitutional Court has suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office while it investigates whether she violated ethical standards during a recent diplomatic crisis with Cambodia. This move marks another dramatic turn in Thailand’s ongoing political turmoil, coming less than a year after Paetongtarn took office.
The suspension follows a petition from 36 senators accusing Paetongtarn of breaching constitutional ethics.
The case centers on a leaked phone call from June 15 between Paetongtarn and former Cambodian leader Hun Sen, in which she sought help to ease tensions after a deadly border clash in late May. In the call, Paetongtarn addressed Hun Sen as “uncle” and criticized a Thai military commander—actions seen as crossing a political red line in Thailand, where the military holds significant influence.
The court voted 7-2 to suspend her from her prime ministerial duties while the investigation is ongoing. She has 15 days to present her defense.
Political fallout and public reaction
The leaked call triggered widespread outrage in Thailand, leading to mass protests and calls for her resignation.
A key coalition partner, the Bhumjaithai Party, left the government, leaving Paetongtarn’s Pheu Thai Party with a razor-thin majority and further destabilizing her administration. Her approval ratings have plummeted, and she now faces a possible no-confidence vote in parliament.
Despite her suspension as prime minister, Paetongtarn remains in the Cabinet as culture minister following a reshuffle.
The crisis highlights ongoing power struggles between the Shinawatra political dynasty and Thailand’s military-backed establishment—a rivalry that has shaped Thai politics for over two decades.
The Constitutional Court has played a prominent role in recent years, previously removing other prime ministers from office, including Paetongtarn’s predecessor and family members.
The court’s investigation could take weeks or months, and Deputy Prime Minister Suri Jungrgruangkit is expected to serve as acting prime minister during Paetongtarn’s suspension, though this has not been officially confirmed.
Paetongtarn has accepted the court’s decision and apologized for the controversy, stating her intention was always to act in the country’s best interests.
