Breaking: Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra Suspended by Constitutional Court

BANGKOK (AP) — Thailand’s Constitutional Court has today, July 1, 2025, suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from her duties, pending an urgent ethics investigation. The decision stems from accusations she was unduly deferential to a senior Cambodian leader during a recently leaked phone call concerning a border dispute.

The unanimous court decision to accept the ethics petition was followed by a 7-2 vote for immediate suspension, giving Paetongtarn 15 days to present her defense. The controversy centers on a call with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen, where critics allege she appeared excessively fawning while discussing a border confrontation on May 28 that resulted in one Cambodian soldier’s death. This incident has fueled public protests, including a significant rally on Saturday, June 28, demanding her resignation.

Paetongtarn, the youngest daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, stated she accepts the court’s process and defended her actions, emphasizing her intent to prevent armed conflict. “I only thought about what to do to avoid troubles, what to do to avoid armed confrontation, for the soldiers not to suffer any loss,” she said after leaving Government House.

The suspension immediately elevates Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungruangkit to acting prime minister. This development further destabilizes Thailand’s fragile democracy, marking the third time a member of the Shinawatra family has faced potential removal from the premiership, following her father Thaksin and aunt Yingluck Shinawatra.

The political dynasty, long a source of both widespread support and conservative opposition, faces renewed scrutiny as Paetongtarn also contends with an economic slowdown and general discontent over her government’s performance. Her father, Thaksin, separately attended a court hearing today regarding a defamation case, adding to the family’s current legal challenges.

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