Bangkok, Thailand – Thailand’s Constitutional Court on Tuesday temporarily suspended Prime Minister Paethongtarn Shinawatra from office pending a final ruling on a petition filed against her. According to Reuters, the court has stated that she will remain suspended until the verdict is delivered.
The case was initiated by 36 members of the Thai Senate, who alleged that Paethongtarn violated constitutional ethics based on a phone conversation with Hun Sen, the influential former leader of Cambodia.
Leaked Call Sparks Controversy and Political Fallout
According to the petition, during the call, Paethongtarn made critical remarks about Thailand’s military leadership. The conversation, which took place on June 15 as part of diplomatic efforts to ease rising border tensions with Cambodia, was later leaked and made public, sparking national controversy.
Although Paethongtarn issued a public apology, stating that her comments were part of a negotiation strategy, the political fallout continued. Her remarks were perceived by many as overstepping the boundaries within Thailand’s powerful military-monarchy structure.
Shifting Alliances and Broader Political Implications
The incident has triggered a political crisis for her administration. One of the key parties in the ruling coalition has already withdrawn its support, while opposition parties are preparing to file a no-confidence motion in parliament, calling for her resignation.
Paethongtarn Shinawatra, a member of Thailand’s influential Shinawatra family, has served as Prime Minister for about 10 months. She is the youngest daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was elected in 2001. The family has maintained strong electoral support over the years, although its affiliated leaders have repeatedly faced pressure from Thailand’s military and judiciary, often resulting in coups or legal actions.
The Constitutional Court’s suspension of Paethongtarn marks the latest development in Thailand’s ongoing political tensions and is expected to have significant implications for the country’s governance in the coming weeks.
