Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra was suspended from office on July 1, 2025, following a unanimous ruling by Thailand’s Constitutional Court. The suspension stems from an ethics investigation related to a leaked phone conversation with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen. The court determined that Paetongtarn may have violated constitutional ethical standards and voted 7–2 in favor of her suspension. She has been given 12 days to submit evidence in her defense as the inquiry continues.
Leaked Call Fuels Diplomatic Tensions and Intensifies Scrutiny Over Thai Prime Minister’s Leadership
The controversy centers on a private call that was leaked to the public, allegedly between Paetongtarn and Hun Sen, during which they reportedly discussed how to de-escalate a tense border situation. In her defense, Paetongtarn claimed that her intention was to prevent conflict and avoid any military casualties. The incident drew criticism from political opponents who accused her of dishonesty and compromising national security.
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra Suspended Over Leaked Call as Ethics Probe Sparks Political TurmoilThe leaked call came in the wake of a deadly border clash in May 2025, where one Cambodian soldier was killed. According to Cambodian sources, their troops were conducting a routine patrol when Thai forces opened fire.
Conversely, Thai authorities claimed that Cambodian soldiers had crossed into a disputed zone and that Thai troops were responding defensively. This conflicting narrative intensified public scrutiny and amplified the backlash against Paetongtarn’s leadership.
Protests Erupt, Deepening Thailand’s Political Crisis Amid Ongoing Leadership Ethics Controversies
The fallout from the phone call was swift. Protesters flooded Bangkok’s streets, demanding Paetongtarn’s resignation. Many viewed the call as a sign of weakness or betrayal, particularly given the sensitive nature of Thailand’s sovereignty. The incident further fueled an already volatile political atmosphere in Thailand, where public demonstrations against the government have become increasingly common in recent years.
Paetongtarn’s suspension adds to a growing list of Thai leaders ousted over ethical concerns. Her predecessor, Srettha Thavisin, was removed by the same court in 2024 for a separate ethics violation.
The repeated judicial interventions reflect a pattern of political instability in the country, underscoring the fragile balance between civilian government, legal institutions, and the military. As Paetongtarn prepares her defense, the future of her political career—and the stability of Thai governance—remains uncertain.