Thai Constitutional Court Suspends PM Paetongtarn: Border Tensions and Pressure on Shinawatra Family

Key Points

• The Constitutional Court of Thailand has ordered Prime Minister Paetongtarn's temporary suspension from duties.
• Leaked audio of a phone call with Cambodia’s former PM sparks intense domestic backlash.
• Seen as political pressure from conservative and pro-military factions.
• The deputy prime minister assumes interim duties amid coalition cracks and mass protests.

The Controversy: Leaked Phone Call with Cambodian Official

In June 2025, an unofficial phone call between Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Cambodia’s Senate President Hun Sen was leaked.
In the call, Paetongtarn criticized Thai military leaders by name and repeatedly expressed conciliatory remarks towards Cambodia.
Her use of informal language such as “uncle” raised concerns over diplomatic neutrality and triggered strong public backlash within Thailand.

Conservative Response: Petition to the Constitutional Court

Following the remarks, the conservative "Pride of Thailand Party" withdrew from the coalition. Additionally, 36 senators aligned with the party submitted a petition to the Constitutional Court seeking Paetongtarn’s dismissal.

The court accepted the petition and, on July 1, ordered her temporary suspension. A formal review to determine permanent dismissal is now underway.

Background: Power Struggles Between the Military and Shinawatra Family

PM Paetongtarn is the daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and leader of the ruling Pheu Thai Party.
Thaksin once drove strong economic growth as PM but clashed with the military and conservatives, eventually ousted in a 2006 coup. The divide between the Shinawatra camp and pro-military factions continues to shape Thai politics.

Many judges in the Constitutional Court are believed to have military ties, leading some to view the suspension as politically motivated.

Impact on Governance: Coalition Breakup and Rising Protests

The incident has shaken the ruling coalition. The Pride of Thailand Party has exited and is reportedly considering a no-confidence motion. Meanwhile, around 20,000 conservative-aligned demonstrators rallied in Bangkok, calling for Paetongtarn's resignation.

The deputy prime minister is expected to assume interim responsibilities. However, with coalition fractures and escalating protests, the government faces severe instability.

Paetongtarn’s Response: Apology and Justification

Paetongtarn stated she “accepts” the court’s decision, but told reporters her actions were “for the good of the country.”
She added, “I apologize to those who felt uncomfortable, but the remarks were not intentional—they were a sincere effort to protect national interests.”

What’s Next: Court Ruling and Potential Reshuffle

The court’s final decision will shape Thailand’s political future. If she is officially dismissed, a new PM nomination or even elections may follow.
This could reignite tensions between pro-democracy and conservative forces, threatening political and social stability.

Conclusion

The PM’s suspension reflects more than a diplomatic misstep—it reveals the entrenched divide in Thai politics.
The military’s influence and ongoing distrust toward the Shinawatra family suggest possible backsliding in the country’s democratic progress.
All eyes remain on how the public—and global community—will respond to what comes next.

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*This article is based on publicly available information and does not represent any political stance. Please interpret with critical judgment and fact-based awareness.*