On 1 July 2025, Thailand Constitutional Court unanimously suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, pending an ethics probe over a leaked phone call with Cambodia’s former leader, Hun Sen. The court accepted a petition by 36 senators, accusing her of dishonesty and violating the constitution’s moral standards. Seven judges backed the call for immediate suspension, while two dissented .
What’s in the Leaked Phone Call?
In the controversial 17‑minute conversation on 15 June, Paetongtarn addressed Hun Sen as “uncle,” criticized Thai military commander Boonsin Padklang as “the opposition” and accused him of grandstanding. She urged Hun Sen to “just tell me … I will take care of it”. The remarks were seen as undermining national sovereignty and favoring foreign intervention — a blunt aggravation amid heightened Thai–Cambodia border tensions.
Hun Sen’s office released the audio to more than 80 officials, later uploading it publicly via Facebook. Thailand Paetongtarn replied that she thought the talk was “off‑the‑record” and called it a “negotiation technique” to preserve peace.
Political Fallout & Public Outcry
The fallout was immediate:
- Bhumjaithai Party — Thailand’s second‑largest coalition partner — withdrew support, stripping the government of its majority.
- Mass anti‑government protests erupted, particularly in Bangkok at Victory Monument, with thousands calling for her resignation.
- Stock markets plummeted as investor confidence weakened.
Paetongtarn’s approval rating plunged from around 30% in March to just 9.2% in June.
Court Orders Suspension, Caretaker Steps In
The Constitutional Court has issued a 15‑day deadline for Paetongtarn to submit her defense. In the meantime:
- Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit will serve as caretaker PM.
- Paetongtarn remains in the government as the culture minister, enabling her to attend cabinet meetings starting 3 July.
- The National Anti‑Corruption Commission has also opened a parallel investigation, which could escalate to the Supreme Court and lead to a political ban.
Historical Echoes & the Shinawatra Legacy
This crisis unearths familiar patterns: Paetongtarn becomes the third Shinawatra family member to face institutional ouster — following her father, Thaksin, and aunt, Yingluck. The move underscores the ongoing power struggle between the populist Shinawatras and Thailand’s military‑royalist establishment.
What Happens Next?
- The Constitutional Court will rule on her fate after reviewing her response.
- The Anti‑Corruption Commission could pursue legal action that results in a political ban.
- Parliament may face a no‑confidence motion, now stalled due to her suspension.
- If the government collapses, Thailand could see snap elections or further judicial interventions, and perhaps even threats of a military coup.
