Thailand PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra Suspended After Leaked Call
Thailand’s Constitutional Court has suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from her official duties effective July 1, following the emergence of a leaked phone call that raised serious legal and ethical concerns. The court’s decision came amid growing political tensions and public pressure demanding accountability. While the investigation into the content and implications of the leaked call continues, Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has been appointed as acting leader. The suspension marks a significant moment in Thailand’s ongoing political landscape and governance.
Thailand PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra Suspended Amid Cambodia Row and Leaked Call
Bangkok: In a dramatic escalation of Thailand’s ongoing political turbulence, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra was suspended from her duties on Tuesday by the country’s Constitutional Court. The decision comes as the court launched a formal investigation into her conduct, following allegations of ministerial misconduct related to a heated diplomatic exchange with neighboring Cambodia.
The court, in a statement delivered on July 1, announced that the Prime Minister would be suspended from her official duties while the proceedings are underway.
The suspension stems from a complaint filed by a bloc of conservative senators who accuse Paetongtarn of violating ministerial ethics during a recent border dispute with Cambodia. According to the senators, the Prime Minister’s comments in a leaked phone call—widely circulated and discussed in Thai political circles—compromised national dignity and undermined the integrity of the armed forces.
The Cambodia Dispute
The controversy originates from a long-standing territorial disagreement between Thailand and Cambodia, which escalated into cross-border clashes in May. These confrontations led to the death of a Cambodian soldier and raised fears of a broader conflict. Tensions flared over disputed land along the border, an issue that has historically been sensitive and politically charged for both nations.
In an effort to defuse the situation, Prime Minister Paetongtarn reportedly reached out to Cambodian statesman Hun Sen in a private phone call. More controversially, she allegedly referred to a senior Thai military commander as her “opponent,” a remark that was seen by her political adversaries as disrespectful to the military and suggestive of internal divisions within the Thai state.
The fallout was swift. Conservative lawmakers and military-aligned senators accused the Prime Minister of “kowtowing” to Cambodia and prioritizing diplomacy over national strength. They argued that her language breached the ethical requirements for public office holders under Thailand’s constitution, which mandates that ministers demonstrate “evident integrity” and uphold the highest “ethical standards.”
Court’s Role and Reactions
The court has previously played a pivotal role in shaping the political landscape, including disqualifying candidates, dissolving parties, and removing prime ministers. Critics of the court argue that it often aligns with the conservative establishment, while its supporters maintain that it serves as a necessary check on political misconduct.
The Prime Minister’s office has yet to issue a detailed response, but sources close to the administration say Paetongtarn denies any wrongdoing and is prepared to cooperate fully with the investigation. Her supporters argue that the phone call was a pragmatic attempt to avoid further conflict and should not be interpreted as a breach of national loyalty or ethics.
Anutin, who leads the Bhumjaithai Party, is known for his moderate stance and experience in coalition governance, but it remains unclear how long he will serve in the interim capacity.
A Divisive Figure
Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, has been a polarizing figure in Thai politics since stepping into the spotlight. Her rise to power earlier this year marked a political comeback for the Shinawatra family, whose previous governments were overthrown by military coups in 2006 and 2014. Her tenure as Prime Minister had already faced resistance from the conservative establishment, and this latest controversy has further widened the divide between the elected government and entrenched power blocs.
Analysts note that her familial ties to Thaksin, a populist billionaire exiled and later imprisoned upon return to Thailand, continue to cast a long shadow over her premiership. Many view the case against her as part of a broader campaign to curtail the influence of the Shinawatra political dynasty.
What’s Next?
The Constitutional Court has not provided a timeline for when it will deliver a final verdict on Paetongtarn’s case. Legal experts suggest the proceedings could stretch over several weeks, or even months, depending on the evidence and complexity of the issues involved. If found guilty of ethical violations, Paetongtarn could be permanently removed from office, barred from holding political positions, or face criminal charges under related provisions.
Public opinion is sharply divided. While some citizens support the court’s action, citing the need for accountability and ethical leadership, others see it as an undemocratic maneuver aimed at undermining an elected government.
Cambodian officials have expressed disappointment over the border clashes but have refrained from directly criticizing the Thai leadership. Whether the change in Thailand’s leadership will ease or complicate relations remains to be seen.
As Thailand enters this new political chapter, all eyes are on the Constitutional Court and its upcoming decision—one that may again reshape the country’s fragile democratic path.