Thailand’s Constitutional Court has suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office amid a growing political scandal over a leaked phone conversation with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen. The court, in a 7-2 vote, ruled to suspend her pending the outcome of an investigation into allegations she violated ministerial ethics during a sensitive border dispute.
Paetongtarn, 38, has 15 days to present her defense. In the interim, Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Jungrungruangkit has been appointed acting leader.
The suspension follows weeks of mounting pressure on the embattled premier after the leaked audio clip, in which she called Hun Sen “uncle” and criticized a regional Thai army commander, went viral. The call, reportedly made during negotiations over a deadly border skirmish in late May, sparked outrage from conservative lawmakers, military figures, and the public. One Cambodian soldier was killed during the confrontation.
Paetongtarn’s remarks were perceived by critics as overly deferential to Cambodia and disrespectful to the Thai military. A coalition of conservative senators subsequently filed a petition to the Constitutional Court, accusing her of breaching constitutional provisions that require ministers to uphold “evident integrity” and high ethical standards.
Third Shinawatra to Be Removed
f ultimately removed from office, Paetongtarn would become the third member of the influential Shinawatra political dynasty to lose power prematurely. Her father, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, was ousted in a 2006 coup, while her aunt, Yingluck Shinawatra, was removed by the Constitutional Court in 2014.
Paetongtarn was sworn in as prime minister in late 2024 following the dismissal of her predecessor, Srettha Thavisin, who was removed over a controversial cabinet appointment. Her administration, led by the populist Pheu Thai Party, has struggled with economic stagnation and coalition instability.
Her ruling coalition is now teetering on the edge, holding only a narrow majority after losing a key conservative partner two weeks ago.
Public Backlash and Political Fallout
The fallout from the leaked call has been swift. Over the weekend, thousands took to the streets in Bangkok demanding her resignation. Protesters carried banners accusing her of betraying national interests and compromising the integrity of the armed forces.
While Paetongtarn has apologized and defended the conversation as a diplomatic strategy to de-escalate border tensions, her approval rating has plummeted to just 9.2%—a dramatic fall from 30.9% in March.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, she admitted to being “worried” but vowed to follow the court’s process. “I don’t want to see my work interrupted, but I respect the legal proceedings,” she said.
Thaksin Shinawatra Also in Legal Trouble
The court’s decision coincides with renewed legal challenges facing her father, Thaksin Shinawatra. On Tuesday, he appeared in court to face charges under Thailand’s strict lese majeste law, accused of insulting the monarchy in a 2015 interview with a South Korean newspaper.
Thaksin, who returned to Thailand in 2023 after 15 years in self-imposed exile, remains a deeply polarizing figure and is seen as a driving force behind his daughter’s rise to power. His return was reportedly part of a fragile political compromise with former conservative and military factions.
Cambodia-Ties at the Center
The Thai foreign ministry has lodged a formal complaint with Phnom Penh, summoning Cambodia’s ambassador last week over the leak. While Hun Sen stepped down from Cambodia’s premiership in 2023, he retains considerable political influence as Senate president. Thai officials suspect the leak may have been politically motivated to weaken Paetongtarn’s government.
The controversy has also raised fresh concerns about civil-military tensions in Thailand. Critics argue that her comments undermined the military’s authority, while supporters say she was trying to avoid further conflict.
As the Constitutional Court begins deliberations, Thailand faces another period of political uncertainty, with the possibility of a third Shinawatra-led administration being cut short once again.