Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra Suspended Over Leaked Call, Faces Possible Dismissal

Thailand’s Constitutional Court has suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra following mounting backlash over a leaked phone conversation with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen. In the recording, Paetongtarn referred to Hun Sen as “uncle” and criticized a Thai military commander, which sparked public outrage and a formal petition for her removal.

The court is now considering whether to dismiss her altogether, making her potentially the third Shinawatra family member to be ousted before completing a full term as prime minister.

Coalition Weakens as Paetongtarn Defends Intentions Amid Suspension and Public Backlash

The ruling coalition led by Paetongtarn has already been weakened, holding only a narrow majority after a key conservative ally withdrew support two weeks ago. The Constitutional Court voted 7-2 to suspend her from office while the case is under review. During this suspension, the deputy prime minister will serve as acting leader. Despite the setback, Paetongtarn remains in the cabinet as the new culture minister, a role she was appointed to just hours before the suspension.

Paetongtarn has publicly apologized, emphasizing that her conversation with Hun Sen was aimed at de-escalating tensions over a long-standing border dispute that flared up in May after a Cambodian soldier was killed. Critics, particularly conservative lawmakers, accuse her of undermining national security and appeasing a foreign leader. However, Paetongtarn insists her intentions were patriotic, saying her aim was to prevent conflict and protect lives, not to serve personal interests.

Judicial Patterns and Family Legacy Deepen Political Instability in Thai Leadership Crisis

If dismissed, Paetongtarn will become the second prime minister from the Pheu Thai party removed by the court in less than a year, following Srettha Thavisin’s ousting in 2024. This continues a pattern of judicial intervention in Thai politics, with critics arguing the Constitutional Court is often used as a political tool. Since 2006, the court has dissolved 34 political parties, including the popular Move Forward Party, which was blocked from forming a government despite its 2023 election win.

Paetongtarn, at 38, is Thailand’s youngest prime minister and only the second woman to hold the office after her aunt, Yingluck Shinawatra. Her popularity has sharply declined, with approval ratings dropping from 30.9% in March to just 9.2% recently. Meanwhile, her father, Thaksin Shinawatra—former prime minister and a central figure in Thai politics—is facing lese majeste charges related to a 2015 interview. Thaksin’s controversial return in 2023 was seen as part of a compromise with former rivals, including the military and pro-monarchy groups, highlighting the deep entanglement of family and politics in Thailand.