Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra Suspended by Constitutional Court Amid Leaked Call Scandal
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra Suspended by Constitutional Court Amid Leaked Call Scandal

Thailand’s political landscape has been rocked by the Constitutional Court’s decision to suspend Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The move comes as the court deliberates a petition for her removal, sparked by public outrage over a leaked phone conversation with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen.
In a 7-2 vote, the Constitutional Court suspended Paetongtarn, granting her 15 days to present her defense. While the Deputy Prime Minister will step in as acting leader, Paetongtarn will surprisingly retain a cabinet role as culture minister, an appointment made just hours before her suspension.
The controversial leaked audio, in which Paetongtarn reportedly criticized a Thai military commander and referred to Hun Sen as “uncle,” has been widely condemned by conservative lawmakers. They accuse her of appeasing Cambodia and undermining Thailand’s military, especially amidst renewed border tensions. Paetongtarn has publicly apologized, asserting her intentions were “100% for the country” and aimed at preventing chaos and loss of life.
This latest development underscores the immense power of Thailand’s Constitutional Court, which has a history of dissolving parties and removing prime ministers, often seen by critics as a tool against political opponents. Paetongtarn’s suspension makes her the third Shinawatra family member to face early removal from power, following her aunt Yingluck Shinawatra and predecessor Srettha Thavisin.
The political drama unfolds as Paetongtarn’s father, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, also faces his own legal battle. His trial for insulting the monarchy, stemming from a nine-year-old interview, commenced on the same day as his daughter’s suspension, adding another layer of complexity to Thailand’s turbulent political environment.
Disclaimer: This content is aggregated from public sources online. Please verify information independently. If you believe your rights have been infringed, contact us for removal.