Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been suspended from her duties after a leaked phone call with a former Cambodian leader sparked major controversy. The country’s Constitutional Court made the decision on Tuesday, stating that the suspension will remain in place while the court reviews a case accusing her of ethical misconduct.
The court’s panel of judges unanimously accepted the petition and then voted 7 to 2 in favor of suspending her from office.
Calls for Resignation Grew Amid Border Tensions
Paetongtarn had already been under pressure to step down due to her handling of a recent border clash with Cambodia. On May 28, tensions flared and led to an armed confrontation that resulted in the death of a Cambodian soldier.
Over the past weekend, protesters in Bangkok took to the streets, demanding her resignation.
Phone Call Sparked Public Outrage
The leaked phone call drew heavy criticism. In it, Paetongtarn spoke with Hun Sen, the current President of Cambodia’s Senate and former Prime Minister. Critics accused her of being too soft on Cambodia during the dispute.
What angered many was her remark about a regional Thai army commander, whom she referred to as her “opponent.” She also called Hun Sen “uncle,” which many in Thailand saw as overly deferential.
PM Responds to the Court Order
Before the court’s decision, Paetongtarn spoke to reporters. “If you ask me whether I’m worried, I am,” she admitted. She also said, “I would accept and follow the court process,” though she expressed hope that her work would not be interrupted.
Court’s Statement and Allegations
The court later announced, “The Constitutional Court, with a majority of 7-2, suspends the respondent from Prime Ministerial duty from 1 July until the Constitutional Court has made its ruling.”
A group of conservative senators filed the petition. They claimed Paetongtarn violated ministerial ethics by trying to appease Cambodia and undermining Thailand’s military. They argued she failed to meet the constitutional standards of “evident integrity” and “ethical conduct.”
Diplomatic Fallout
In response to the leak, Thailand’s foreign ministry summoned the Cambodian ambassador last week. They handed over a letter of protest, blaming Cambodia for the leak of the sensitive phone call.
Although Hun Sen stepped down as Cambodia’s Prime Minister in 2023, he still holds considerable power. His connection to the leaked call has only added to tensions.