Thailand’s Constitutional Court has suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra following a leaked phone call that has triggered political uproar and widespread public criticism. The court voted 7-2 in favour of her suspension as it considers a petition for her dismissal. Paetongtarn now has 15 days to present her defence.
The controversial phone recording features Paetongtarn referring to former Cambodian leader Hun Sen as “uncle” and criticizing a Thai military commander. The comments have been interpreted by conservative lawmakers as showing undue deference to Cambodia and undermining Thailand’s military leadership, especially amid ongoing border tensions. The uproar led to a public petition demanding her removal from office.
At just 38, Paetongtarn is Thailand’s youngest and only the second female prime minister, following her aunt Yingluck Shinawatra. Her suspension marks the latest political setback for the influential Shinawatra family, which has faced repeated interruptions to its political reign through coups and court rulings. If dismissed, Paetongtarn would become the third Shinawatra family member to be removed from office before completing a term.
The ruling coalition, led by the Pheu Thai party, is already weakened after a key conservative ally defected two weeks ago, leaving it with a fragile majority. Paetongtarn’s suspension may deepen instability within the government. Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Jungrungruangkit has been appointed as acting prime minister during the court proceedings.
This comes less than a year after former PM Srettha Thavisin, also from Pheu Thai, was dismissed for appointing a former convict to his cabinet. Paetongtarn succeeded him soon after.
Adding to the political turmoil is her father, Thaksin Shinawatra, who is currently facing trial under Thailand’s harsh lese majeste law for allegedly insulting the monarchy during a 2015 interview. Thaksin, who returned to Thailand in 2023 after 15 years in exile, remains a powerful and polarising figure in Thai politics.
Paetongtarn has apologised for her remarks, describing the phone call as a “negotiation technique” amid border disputes. However, her approval ratings have plummeted, falling from 30.9% in March to just 9.2% last weekend.
Her fate now rests with the Constitutional Court, whose decision could reshape Thailand’s political landscape once again.
