Thailand’s Constitutional Court has ordered the suspension of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from official duties following allegations tied to a phone call with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen.
The court accepted a petition from the Election Commission, which claimed the phone call may have violated Section 170(5) and Section 160(5) of the Constitution. These sections prohibit government officials from violating ethical standards and using their positions for personal or political advantage. While the full contents of the leaked conversation have not been released publicly, the court said it will proceed with a formal review of the case.
The petition argued that Paetongtarn should have addressed the border issues through formal diplomatic channels, following international norms and the established procedures of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It also questioned the necessity of a private conversation with Hun Sen and criticized her for using overly personal language—referring to the former Cambodian leader as “uncle” and describing Thailand’s own Second Army Area commander as “the other side.”
While the full contents of the leaked conversation have not been released publicly, the court said it will proceed with a formal review of the case Photo Courtesy Suzu Takahashi
In line with constitutional procedure, Paetongtarn is suspended from performing her duties as prime minister while the court deliberates. She retains her status as a member of Parliament.
Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit has been appointed as acting prime minister during the suspension.
The court’s decision has sparked a wave of political reaction. Protests erupted in several parts of the country, with some demonstrators accusing the judiciary of interfering in democratic governance. Meanwhile, one coalition partner reportedly withdrew from the government, raising concerns over potential instability within the ruling Pheu Thai-led coalition.
As of now, Paetongtarn has not made a detailed public statement about the ruling. The Prime Minister’s Office has stated that she respects the court process and will comply with the legal proceedings.
This is not the first time Thai courts have played a pivotal role in altering the country’s political leadership. Previous prime ministers have also been disqualified or suspended following court rulings, underscoring the ongoing tension between elected officials and legal institutions.
