Thai PM Paetongtarn Suspended Over Leaked Phone Call

Thailand’s PM Paetongtarn arrives for a cabinet meeting in Bangkok, July 1, 2025.

Thailand’s Constitutional Court has suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office while it investigates a leaked phone call that has sparked political turmoil and public protests.

On Tuesday, the court unanimously agreed to take up a petition accusing her of ethical misconduct. In a 7–2 vote, the judges also ordered her immediate suspension from official duties.

The controversy stems from a leaked call between Paetongtarn and former Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen, made during ongoing diplomatic tensions following a border clash on 28 May that left a Cambodian soldier dead.

Critics say her remarks in the call appeared to undermine Thailand’s military leadership and pander to Cambodian interests, fuelling accusations of poor judgement and weak leadership.

The fallout has been swift. Earlier on Tuesday, King Maha Vajiralongkorn endorsed a Cabinet reshuffle prompted by the withdrawal of the Bhumjaithai Party from Paetongtarn’s coalition government. Former Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the party, was among those replaced.

The Office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission is also investigating Paetongtarn over the same phone call, a process that could lead to her formal dismissal if ethical breaches are confirmed.

Thousands of nationalist and conservative demonstrators gathered in Bangkok over the weekend, demanding her resignation and accusing her of compromising national interests.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Paetongtarn said she respected the court process and would comply with its decisions, though she admitted to being “worried” about the impact on her administration.