Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra suspended over leaked phone call as court launches ethics investigation

 BANGKOK, July 1 — Thailand’s Constitutional Court has suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra while it investigates an ethics complaint linked to a leaked phone call with a senior Cambodian official. Critics claim she acted too submissively during the conversation, which was meant to calm tensions over a deadly border clash that killed one Cambodian soldier on May 28.

The court voted 7-2 on Tuesday to suspend her from duty immediately while the investigation continues. Paetongtarn now has 15 days to respond to the charges.

The controversy stems from a leaked call in which Paetongtarn, in an attempt to ease the border dispute, referred to Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen — a longtime ally of her father, former PM Thaksin Shinawatra — as “uncle” and discouraged him from listening to a Thai army commander critical of Cambodia. The call sparked protests and growing criticism, with opponents accusing her of being overly deferential and compromising Thailand’s interests.

Paetongtarn defended her actions, saying she was only trying to avoid further conflict and loss of life. “I acted out of concern to prevent violence and protect lives. I never intended to say anything harmful to the country,” she said after the ruling. She also apologized to those upset by the leaked call and left Government House soon after.

In her absence, Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungruangkit will serve as acting prime minister.

Political Tensions and Growing Discontent

The leaked call also triggered a cabinet reshuffle earlier in the day, after a major coalition partner quit the government in protest. Paetongtarn was named culture minister in the reshuffle, though it’s unclear whether she will be able to take the oath for that role amid her suspension.

Over the weekend, thousands of nationalist and conservative protesters took to the streets in Bangkok, demanding her resignation. She also faces a separate investigation from another government agency over the leaked call, which could further jeopardize her position.

Thailand’s Constitutional Court has previously removed other prime ministers, and critics argue that it often sides with the country’s royalist and conservative establishment.

A Dynasty Under Pressure

Paetongtarn is the third member of the Shinawatra family to serve as prime minister—and the third to face early removal. Her father, Thaksin Shinawatra, was ousted in a 2006 military coup and went into exile. Her aunt, former PM Yingluck Shinawatra, was removed by court order in 2014, shortly before another coup.

Now 38, Paetongtarn is seen as the face of a political dynasty that remains popular among Thailand’s working class but is viewed with suspicion by conservative elites. Despite that popularity, her government has been facing criticism over its performance and handling of key issues, including the recent border conflict and economic challenges.

Meanwhile, Thaksin, who returned from exile in 2023 under a controversial deal, is also facing legal troubles. On Tuesday, he appeared in court over a 2015 case in which he’s accused of defaming the monarchy. He is also under investigation for allegedly avoiding prison time through political deals. After being sentenced to eight years, he was quickly transferred to a hospital and later granted clemency without serving a single night in jail.

As investigations continue against both Paetongtarn and her father, Thailand faces renewed political uncertainty at a time of economic slowdown and growing public frustration.