“Uncle, how are you?” – Shinawatra to Hun Sen, State House Thailand, June 15, 2025.
In the sweltering heat of Bangkok, a single phone call would ignite a firestorm that would shake the very foundations of Thai politics. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the youngest daughter of billionaire businessman and former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, had just uttered a phrase that would seal her fate. The seemingly casual greeting to Cambodian leader Hun Sen sparked outrage across the nation, marking the beginning of the end for Paetongtarn’s tenure as Prime Minister. Like in a thriller novel detached from what is possible in reality, Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s meteoric rise and fall in Thai politics is a tale of power, privilege, and controversy. As a member of the influential Shinawatra family, Paetongtarn’s journey to the top was paved with both opportunity and challenge. Her brief tenure as Prime Minister was marked by significant hurdles, including a contentious border dispute with Cambodia and allegations of corruption. The leaked phone call with Hun Sen, in which she addressed him as “uncle,” proved to be the catalyst for her downfall.
The Shinawatra family has dominated Thai politics for decades, with Thaksin and his sister Yingluck serving as Prime Ministers. Paetongtarn’s ascension to the top spot was seen as a continuation of the family’s legacy. However, her tenure was short-lived, and her dismissal from office has raised questions about the future of the Shinawatra dynasty in Thai politics. Paetongtarn’s entry into politics was swift, becoming the leader of the Pheu Thai Party in October 2023. She was elected Prime Minister in August 2024, following the removal of her predecessor Srettha Thavisin. At 37, she became Thailand’s youngest Prime Minister and the second woman to hold the position.
The phone call with Hun Sen, which took place on June 15, 2025, was leaked online on June 18, 2025, sparking widespread outrage in Thailand. Paetongtarn’s casual greeting and reference to a Thai military commander as her “opponent” were seen as signs of disrespect to the nation. The Constitutional Court ruled that her actions led to a loss of trust, prioritizing personal interest over national interest, and dismissed her from office on August 29, 2025. Notably, Hun Sen’s government was accused of releasing the confidential call to the public via social media, potentially straining the relationship between the two leaders and jeopardizing the Shinawatra family’s influence in Thai-Cambodian relations.
Paetongtarn was suspended from office by the Constitutional Court on July 1, 2025, pending investigation, after 36 senators accused her of dishonesty and breaching ethical standards. The court’s decision was made in a 7-2 vote, and Suriya Juangroongruangkit took over as Thailand’s acting leader. Paetongtarn’s removal marks her as the fifth Thai Prime Minister to be removed by the Constitutional Court since 2008, and the fourth member of the Shinawatra family to be toppled by a court ruling or military coup.
The implications of Paetongtarn’s dismissal are far-reaching, with potential consequences for the Shinawatra dynasty’s grip on Thai politics. The family’s influence has been a dominant force in Thai politics for decades, with Thaksin and his sister Yingluck serving as Prime Ministers. However, the family’s legacy has been marred by controversy, including allegations of corruption and abuse of power.
Paetongtarn’s brief tenure as Prime Minister has left a lasting impact on Thai politics. Her dismissal has raised questions about the future of the Shinawatra dynasty and the stability of the Thai government. As a new leader takes the reins, the Shinawatra family’s influence and legacy will continue to shape the country’s politics. The circumstances surrounding the leaked phone call may also have long-term implications for Thai-Cambodian relations and the Shinawatra family’s role in regional politics.
The focus now shifts to who will replace Paetongtarn, with Thaksin expected to play a central role in negotiations to preserve Pheu Thai’s fragile coalition majority. Potential candidates include Chaikasem Nitisiri, a 77-year-old former justice minister and attorney-general. The court’s ruling has also raised questions about the future of the Shinawatra dynasty, with some speculating that the family’s influence may be waning.
As the dust settles, one thing is clear: the future of Thai politics will be shaped by the complex interplay of power, privilege, and controversy that has defined the Shinawatra family’s legacy. Without any iota of doubts, the story of Paetongtarn Shinawatra serves as a cautionary tale, reminding leaders of the importance of discretion and strategic communication in an era where strategic communication in an era where information knows no borders.
In other words, this chapter between Thailand and Cambodia is not only a novel act but also a wake-up call to leaders around the world that the world has drastically changed. Conversations, even between leaders of nations, can easily creep into the public domain, highlighting the challenges of maintaining confidentiality in the digital age. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, leaders must adapt to the new reality, where even the most seemingly private conversations can have far-reaching consequences.
Therefore , the story of Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s rise and fall serves as a reminder of the importance of navigating the complex web of politics, power, and privilege. As Thailand looks to the future, one thing is certain: the country’s politics will continue to be shaped by the intricate dance of power, influence, and legacy.
In the end, Paetongtarn’s legacy will be defined by her brief tenure as Prime Minister and the circumstances surrounding her downfall. As the Shinawatra family looks to the future, they will need to navigate the challenges of maintaining their influence in Thai politics, while also adapting to the changing landscape of the country’s politics.
Indeed, the future of Thai politics is uncertain, but one thing is clear: the country’s politics will continue to be shaped by the complex interplay of power, privilege, and controversy that has defined the Shinawatra family’s legacy. As the world watches, Thailand’s leaders will need to navigate the challenges of the digital age, where information knows no borders, and the consequences of their actions will be felt far beyond the country’s borders.
In conclusion, for emphasis the story of Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s rise and fall is a cautionary tale about the challenges of navigating the complex web of politics, power, and privilege. As Thailand looks to the future, one thing is certain: the country’s politics will continue to be shaped by the intricate dance of power, influence, and legacy. The world will be watching, and the consequences of Thailand’s actions will be felt far beyond its borders.