Thailand's prime minister faces suspension over leaked phone call controversy
- Paetongtarn Shinawatra was suspended by Thailand's Constitutional Court due to a leaked phone call.
- The leaked conversation raised concerns about her diplomatic integrity and sparked public protests.
- The political stability of Thailand remains uncertain as Paetongtarn faces an ethics investigation.
In Thailand, on July 1, 2025, the Constitutional Court acted upon a petition from 36 senators to suspend Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who is under investigation due to allegations of breaching constitutional ethics. This decision follows a leaked phone call between Paetongtarn and Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen that raised questions about her diplomatic conduct during a border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia. The conversation included remarks that were perceived as undermining the Thai military and compromising the nation’s interests, leading to significant public backlash and protests demanding her removal from office. The phone call took place during heightened tensions on the shared border, which escalated into violence earlier, resulting in a Cambodian soldier's death. The backlash from her comments, where she referred to a military commander as an adversary and addressed Hun Sen informally, prompted constituents and political adversaries to question her leadership capabilities and commitment to the nation's sovereignty. Protests erupted in Bangkok, with demonstrators calling for her resignation, reflecting her dwindling approval ratings, which have plummeted to single digits. As a backdrop, Paetongtarn is the latest in the Shinawatra political dynasty, which has faced historical challenges from conservative factions in Thai politics. Her position is further complicated by her father's legal troubles and past allegations against her predecessors, leading to a complex socio-political environment in Thailand. With her party losing key coalition support over the matter, Paetongtarn's government is hanging by a thread, dependent on the remaining members of her coalition. As the court has granted her 15 days to respond to the ethics charges, the ruling could have long-term implications for the Pheu Thai party and the broader political landscape in Thailand, known for its turbulent history involving the Shinawatra clan. The forthcoming verdict will be critical, not only for Paetongtarn’s career but also for stability in a nation already grappling with economic challenges and political strife.