Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been suspended from her duties after a leaked phone call with Cambodia’s former leader, Hun Sen, sparked a political and constitutional crisis.
On Tuesday, July 1, 2025, the Constitutional Court of Thailand accepted a petition from 36 senators, who accused the 38-year-old leader of violating ethical standards and breaching the constitution.
As a result, Paetongtarn has been temporarily removed from her role as Prime Minister while the court investigates.
However, she will remain in Cabinet as Culture Minister following a reshuffle.
What Was in the Leaked Call?
The controversial call took place on June 15.
In the audio recording, Paetongtarn was heard addressing Hun Sen as “uncle” and criticizing her own country’s military response to recent border clashes that led to the death of a Cambodian soldier.
She urged Hun Sen not to believe comments from an outspoken Thai army commander and told the former Cambodian ruler that if he “wants anything, he can just tell me.”
The recording has been confirmed as authentic by both sides.
Critics say her remarks endangered Thailand’s national interests and undermined military authority.
The fallout was swift. The Bhumjaithai Party, a key coalition partner, withdrew from the government last week, severely weakening the ruling Pheu Thai Party led by Paetongtarn.
She now faces a no-confidence vote in parliament and declining public approval.
Her suspension marks another chapter in Thailand’s long-running political instability, which has seen several leadership changes in recent years.
Paetongtarn Responds to Suspension
At a press briefing on Tuesday, Paetongtarn accepted the court’s decision and defended her actions, saying she acted out of national interest.
“I want to make it clear that my intentions were more than 100% sincere. I acted to protect our country, to safeguard soldiers, and to preserve peace,” she said.
She also apologized to the Thai public and described the call as a private diplomatic negotiation that should never have been made public.
What’s Next for Thailand?
The ethics case will now move forward in court. If found guilty, Paetongtarn could be permanently removed from office.
In the meantime, Thailand’s political future remains uncertain, with the ruling coalition weakened and the opposition pushing for fresh leadership.