Shock in Thailand: PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra Suspended Following Explosive Leaked Phone Call

Thailand’s political scene is in turmoil again. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been suspended by the Constitutional Court. This action comes after a private phone conversation with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen was leaked. In this call, she referred to Hun Sen as “uncle” and criticized a Thai military commander, causing a public outcry.

This incident has ignited fears that Paetongtarn, a member of the influential Shinawatra family, might not finish her term. In the past two decades, several members of this clan have faced similar downfalls. Her coalition government is already shaky, with a key ally leaving recently.

The court’s vote to suspend her was close—7-2. Now, she has 15 days to defend herself. Meanwhile, the deputy prime minister will step in as acting leader. Paetongtarn will remain part of the cabinet as the culture minister, a role she just took on before her suspension.

On Tuesday, Paetongtarn apologized again. She insists that her conversation with Hun Sen was solely about national interests, particularly a long-standing border dispute that has seen renewed tensions following the death of a Cambodian soldier. Conservative lawmakers, however, are accusing her of undermining Thailand’s military and appeasing Hun Sen.

“I didn’t mean any harm,” she said, emphasizing her goal was to prevent chaos and loss of life. If she is removed, she will be the second prime minister from the Pheu Thai party to lose her position in less than a year. Last August, her predecessor, Srettha Thavisin, was dismissed by the same court for a controversial cabinet appointment.

This situation highlights the court’s ability to reshape governments in Thailand. Critics argue this power can be misused to undermine political opponents. Since 2006, the court has dissolved 34 political parties, including the reformist group Move Forward, which won the most seats in the 2023 elections but was prevented from forming a government.

Political expert Titipol Phakdeewanich from Ubon Ratchathani University describes this pattern as part of Thai political culture, which deviates from a true democratic process. He believes many people see the court’s suspension of Paetongtarn as legitimate but worry about her commitment to the nation’s interests.

Currently, Paetongtarn, at age 38, is the youngest prime minister in Thailand’s history and only the second woman to hold the position, following her aunt, Yingluck Shinawatra. However, her approval rating has dropped significantly, falling to just 9.2% from 30.9% earlier this year.

Interestingly, this court decision coincides with challenges facing her father, Thaksin Shinawatra. Recently returned from 15 years in exile, he is now on trial for allegedly insulting the monarchy—a serious charge in Thailand under its lese majeste law.

Thaksin’s political comeback was part of a compromise involving former conservative rivals, including the military, which has previously overthrown two Shinawatra governments. This delicate balance of power continues to shape Thailand’s political landscape.



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