Constitutional Court’s Decision
Paetongtarn Faces Ethics Probe
On July 1, 2025, Thailand’s Constitutional Court suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from her duties, pending an ethics investigation into a leaked phone call with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen. The unanimous decision by nine judges to accept a petition from 36 senators, followed by a 7-2 vote to suspend her, marks a significant blow to her leadership, amid heightened tensions over a border dispute with Cambodia.
Details of the Leaked Call
Controversial Remarks Spark Outrage
The controversy stems from a June 15, 2025, phone conversation in which Paetongtarn allegedly criticized the 2nd Army Region commander, overseeing Thailand’s border with Cambodia, and adopted a deferential tone toward Hun Sen. The leaked audio, perceived as undermining Thailand’s military, triggered public protests and accusations of ethical breaches under Sections 160 (4) and (5) of the constitution, which demand integrity and honesty from public officials.
Paetongtarn’s Defense
Intent to Avoid Conflict
Paetongtarn defended her actions, stating the call aimed to de-escalate border tensions following a May 28, 2025, clash that killed a Cambodian soldier. She emphasized her intent to prevent further violence, apologizing for any missteps while denying ill intentions. The court has given her 15 days to submit a written clarification, as she faces allegations of compromising national interests, intensifying scrutiny on her leadership.
Political Fallout and Acting Leadership
Suriya Steps In as Caretaker
Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit has assumed the role of acting prime minister, ensuring government continuity. Paetongtarn remains in the cabinet as culture minister, a position she assumed in a July 1 cabinet reshuffle, approved by royal command. Her suspension, however, weakens the Pheu Thai Party’s grip, with the coalition holding a slim majority after Bhumjaithai’s withdrawal in June 2025.
Border Dispute Context
Tensions Fuel Political Crisis
The phone call controversy is tied to a broader Thailand-Cambodia border dispute, centered on four contested areas from Sa Kaeo to Ubon Ratchathani, overseen by the 2nd Army. Public outrage, amplified by protests in Bangkok on June 28, reflects concerns over Paetongtarn’s diplomatic approach. Her remarks, seen as submissive, have fueled accusations of undermining Thailand’s sovereignty, a sensitive issue given the military’s influence.
Shinawatra Dynasty’s Challenges
A Pattern of Political Struggles
Paetongtarn’s suspension marks another chapter in the Shinawatra family’s turbulent political legacy, with her father, Thaksin, and aunt, Yingluck, previously ousted by coups and court rulings. The Constitutional Court’s history of dissolving 34 parties since 2006, including Move Forward in 2023, underscores its role in targeting political opponents. With Paetongtarn’s approval rating dropping to 9.2% in June 2025, her government faces mounting pressure to stabilize Thailand’s economy and politics.
