Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been suspended from her duties following a Constitutional Court ruling on Tuesday, pending the outcome of an ethics investigation linked to a leaked phone call with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen.
The 38-year-old premier, who took office just 10 months ago after her predecessor was ousted, now faces possible dismissal. The court accepted a petition from 36 senators who claim she violated the constitution and ethical standards in the controversial call confirmed as authentic by both sides.
Despite her suspension, Paetongtarn will remain in the Cabinet as culture minister after a recent reshuffle. Her temporary removal deepens political uncertainty in Thailand, a country long plagued by instability and frequent leadership changes.
The June 15 phone call, which has triggered a national uproar, featured Paetongtarn referring to Hun Sen as “uncle” and criticizing her own military’s actions during a deadly border clash that killed a Cambodian soldier. She was also heard assuring Hun Sen that he could “just tell me, and I will take care of it” a remark that outraged critics, who accused her of compromising national interests.
Mass protests erupted in Bangkok over the weekend, with demonstrators calling for her resignation. The fallout led to the withdrawal of the Bhumjaithai Party, a key coalition partner, significantly weakening her Pheu Thai party’s grip on power. She also faces a looming no-confidence vote in parliament and sliding approval ratings.
At a press conference following the court’s decision, Paetongtarn defended her actions: “My intentions were more than 100% sincere to protect our sovereignty, safeguard our soldiers, and maintain peace.” She also apologized to the public for any distress caused and said the call was meant to de-escalate tensions, describing it as a “negotiation tactic” that “shouldn’t have been made public.”
Relations between Thailand and Cambodia remain sensitive, with their 817-kilometer shared border historically disputed and prone to military skirmishes.
Paetongtarn rose to power after the same Constitutional Court dismissed her predecessor, Srettha Thavisin, for ethics violations. The court also disbanded the popular Move Forward Party, winner of the 2023 election, and banned its leadership from politics for a decade further fueling discontent in a deeply polarized political landscape.
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