Politics

Thai Prime Minister Suspended Over Leaked Call With Cambodian Leader

JUL 1 2025·Updated JUL 2 2025

Story

Above: Paetongtarn Shinawatra arrives at a cabinet meeting at the Government House in Bangkok on July 1, 2025. Image credit: Lillian Suwanrumpha/AFP/Getty Images

The Facts

Thailand's Constitutional Court suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on Tuesday pending an ethics investigation into a leaked phone call with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen regarding border disputes between the two nations.
CNN
South China Morning Post
Al Jazeera
The court voted 7-2 to suspend Paetongtarn from her prime ministerial duties after unanimously accepting a petition from 36 senators, who accused her of violating the ethical standards stipulated in the constitution.
Khaosod English
NHK
Al Jazeera
Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Jungrungruangkit will serve as acting prime minister while the court considers the case, with Paetongtarn given 15 days to respond to the allegations against her.
Bloomberg.com
The New York Times
BBC News
The leaked June 15 phone call sparked public outrage as Paetongtarn appeared to criticize a Thai army commander and told Hun Sen he could "just tell me" if he wanted anything, and she would "take care of it."
Foxnews
CNN
BBC News
The scandal prompted the Bhumjaithai Party to withdraw from Paetongtarn's governing coalition, weakening her parliamentary majority and prompting thousands of protesters to demand her resignation in Bangkok.
Khaosod English
CNN
The Associated Press
Paetongtarn's approval rating plummeted to 9.2% from 30.9% following the controversy, while she faces additional investigations from the National Anti-Corruption Commission that could also lead to her removal.
Bloomberg.com
The New York Times
The Associated Press

Sources Split

LEFT

CENTER

RIGHT

ESTAB
CRIT

CENTER

PRO
ESTAB

The Spin

Narrative A

This is another politically motivated attack by Thailand's royalist establishment against the democratically elected Shinawatra family. Paetongtarn was trying to prevent armed conflict and save soldiers' lives through diplomatic negotiations. The Constitutional Court has repeatedly targeted Shinawatra-led governments, creating a destructive cycle that undermines democracy.

Thaipbs

South China Morning Post

Narrative B

Paetongtarn's leaked comments showed she prioritized appeasing a foreign leader over Thailand's national interests and military. Her deferential tone toward Hun Sen and criticism of Thai commanders demonstrated poor judgment that damaged the country's sovereignty. The court's decision reflects legitimate concerns about ethical violations that warrant investigation.