Thailand’s PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra Suspended !

GG News Bureau
Bangkok, July 1,— Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra was suspended from her official responsibilities by the Constitutional Court after a political storm over a leaked telephone call with Cambodia’s former Prime Minister, Hun Sen. The court ruling is a dramatic extension of the crisis surrounding the besieged Shinawatra government.

The suspension is in the context of a court hearing a petition laid by 36 senators, which accuses Paetongtarn of unethical behavior and lying contrary to the terms of Thailand’s constitution. The petition is based on a contentious tape of a private telephone call in which Paetongtarn addresses Hun Sen as “uncle” and assures him that she will “take care of” any wishes he has, making derogatory comments about a high-ranking Thai military officer.

The leaked telephone conversation, which is said to have occurred during the escalated border tensions between Cambodia and Thailand, has shocked the entire Thai public. Critics say that the Prime Minister’s close tone and readiness to deliver personal assurances to a foreign head of state during a delicate border war are equivalent to diminishing national sovereignty.

Thousands of protesters stormed the streets of Bangkok on Saturday calling for her resignation. Nationalist feelings have skyrocketed following a deadly May confrontation, in which one Cambodian soldier was killed near the contested frontier — an attack that reignited long-standing tensions between the two countries.

In response to the suspension, Paetongtarn issued a brief statement at Government House. “It’s always been my intention to do the best thing for my country,” she said, expressing regret over the situation. “I’d like to apologise to Thai people who are frustrated about this.” She insisted her comments during the call were part of a diplomatic strategy, not a betrayal of Thai interests.

Her suspension should see Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai take caretaker duties. This change of leadership is occurring at a politically vulnerable moment, as Paetongtarn’s coalition government recently lost a crucial partner, leaving it with a wafer-thin majority. A no-confidence motion is expected in the weeks ahead.

The scandal has fuelled an old political feud which has dominated Thai politics for more than two decades — the continuous battle between the Shinawatra political clan and the military-royalist traditionalists. Paetongtarn’s father, Thaksin Shinawatra, and aunt, Yingluck Shinawatra, both were removed from office under similar circumstances — by coup or court decree.

Adding to the timing woes, Thaksin showed up in court Tuesday on a set of other charges under Thailand’s strict lese-majesty laws. He is accused of insulting the monarchy in a 2015 interview, a crime punishable by up to 15 years in jail.

As Thailand’s political crisis deepens, the leaked call has become a test of public trust, diplomatic prudence, and constitutional integrity — with the legacy of the Shinawatra family once again in the balance.