Thailand has plunged into a fresh political crisis following the suspension of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra by the Constitutional Court. The move comes in response to a leaked phone conversation between Paetongtarn and Cambodia’s former leader Hun Sen, in which she was heard making remarks that critics say undermined the authority of the Thai military and showed excessive deference to her Cambodian counterpart during ongoing border tensions.
The petition to suspend Paetongtarn was filed by 36 senators and a group of conservative lawmakers, who claimed her conduct violated the ethical standards expected of a prime minister, especially during a time of heightened national sensitivity. In a 7-2 ruling, the Constitutional Court agreed to suspend her from office while it deliberates on whether she should be permanently removed. Paetongtarn has been given 15 days to submit her defense, and in the meantime, the deputy prime minister will take over her responsibilities.
The political fallout has been swift and far-reaching. One of Paetongtarn’s key coalition partners has already pulled out of the government, large-scale protests have erupted across Bangkok, and her approval ratings have taken a significant hit. This marks the second suspension of a Thai prime minister within the past year on ethical grounds—further evidence of the country’s ongoing political instability.
In a public statement, Paetongtarn expressed regret over the controversy, saying her intention was to protect Thai sovereignty and prevent escalation along the border. She acknowledged, however, that her remarks had sparked outrage among the Thai public. The episode has not only weakened her personal standing but also delivered a fresh blow to the influential Shinawatra political dynasty. Analysts warn the situation could spiral into early elections or even prompt intervention by the military, as Thailand’s leadership faces mounting pressure and uncertainty.