Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra faces suspension following leaked phone conversation

Thailand’s Constitutional Court Suspends Prime Minister Amid Ethics Probe

Thailand’s constitutional court has temporarily removed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office while it examines potential ethical breaches linked to a leaked phone conversation.

On Tuesday, the court agreed to review a petition submitted by 36 senators seeking her removal, citing accusations of dishonesty and failing to uphold constitutional standards.

The controversy stems from a recorded discussion between Paetongtarn and Cambodia’s former leader Hun Sen, in which she addressed a border dispute between the two nations. During the call, she referred to Hun Sen as “uncle” and stated she would accommodate his requests. She also spoke critically of a high-ranking Thai military official.

The recording has drawn public condemnation, with critics claiming she compromised Thailand’s interests and showed undue deference to Cambodia.

Hun Sen, who governed Cambodia for nearly 40 years and remains influential, had long-standing ties with the Shinawatra family, though relations have recently deteriorated.

The court’s decision marks another setback for Paetongtarn, a member of Thailand’s politically prominent but divisive Shinawatra family. Her government has weakened after a coalition partner withdrew support this month, leaving her with a fragile majority as political pressure mounts. On Saturday, thousands protested in Bangkok demanding her resignation, while a recent poll showed her public approval dropping sharply from 30.9% in March to 9.2%.

Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai is expected to assume power in the interim.

Separately, Paetongtarn’s father, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, is confronting legal challenges and appeared in court on Tuesday over accusations of violating royal defamation laws, which carry severe penalties. The case stems from remarks he made in a 2015 interview with South Korean media.

Thai politics has long been marked by rivalry between the Shinawatra family and conservative factions tied to the military and monarchy. Thaksin, twice elected, was overthrown in a 2006 coup. His sister Yingluck Shinawatra was similarly removed in 2014 following a court ruling and subsequent military takeover.

Speaking outside Government House, Paetongtarn said she respected the court’s decision. “My priority has always been to act in Thailand’s best interests,” she stated. “I regret any frustration this has caused.” She previously defended her comments in the call as strategic in negotiations.