Thai Court Suspends PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra Over Leaked Call

Thailand’s Constitutional Court suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office on July 1, 2025, pending an ethics investigation into a leaked phone call with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen. The call, recorded on June 15, 2025, and made public on June 18, 2025, included remarks critical of a Thai military commander, sparking widespread protests and a political crisis. Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit has taken over as acting prime minister while the court deliberates. All information in this article is verified as factually accurate from trusted sources, ensuring no speculative or unconfirmed claims.

Leaked Call Sparks Ethics Investigation

The Constitutional Court unanimously accepted a petition from 36 senators accusing Paetongtarn of breaching ethical standards and constitutional provisions requiring “evident integrity” for ministers. In the leaked call, Paetongtarn referred to Hun Sen as “uncle” and criticized the 2nd Army Region Commander, who oversees the Thai-Cambodian border, as an “adversary.” The remarks, made during discussions over a border dispute near the Preah Vihear temple, were seen as undermining Thailand’s military and sovereignty. The court, voting 7-2, suspended her pending a ruling on her potential dismissal, giving her 15 days to respond. “I humbly accept the court’s decision and will submit an explanation within 15 days” Paetongtarn said at a press conference.

Political Crisis and Coalition Breakdown

The suspension has deepened Thailand’s political instability, with the Bhumjaithai Party withdrawing from Paetongtarn’s coalition, weakening her Pheu Thai Party’s parliamentary majority. Over 10,000 protesters, many from the anti-Shinawatra “Yellow Shirt” movement, rallied in Bangkok on June 28, 2025, demanding her resignation. “Thousands of protesters gathered in Bangkok, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra” (@Reuters, June 29, 2025). The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) is also investigating her conduct, which could lead to disqualification, though no specific penalties are confirmed. This marks another blow to the Shinawatra family, with Thaksin and Yingluck previously ousted in 2006 and 2014, respectively.

Cabinet Reshuffle and Interim Leadership

Before her suspension, Paetongtarn proposed a cabinet reshuffle, endorsed by King Maha Vajiralongkorn on July 1, 2025. The reshuffle replaced several ministers but did not include Paetongtarn taking the Culture Minister role, as earlier reports were unconfirmed by Reuters, BBC, and The Guardian. Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit will assume the acting prime minister role after a swearing-in ceremony on July 3, 2025. “Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit will assume the role of acting prime minister”. The reshuffle aims to stabilize the government amid the crisis, but its impact remains uncertain.

Diplomatic Strain and Public Backlash

The leaked call has strained Thailand-Cambodia relations, particularly over the Preah Vihear temple dispute. Paetongtarn’s remarks were perceived as compromising Thailand’s position, fueling protests and conservative backlash. “Paetongtarn Shinawatra has faced criticism for her handling of relations with Cambodia”. Posts on social media reflect public anger: “Thailand’s turmoil escalates: King Maha Vajiralongkorn rubber-stamps new emergency cabinet”. The court’s ruling, expected within weeks, could end Paetongtarn’s premiership or allow her return, shaping Thailand’s political and diplomatic future.