Why Was Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra Suspended and Who Is Leading the Country Now?

Thailand’s political and diplomatic landscape was thrown into turmoil on Tuesday, July 2, 2025, when the Constitutional Court suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, pending an ethics investigation. The decision stems from a leaked phone call with Cambodian Senate President and former PM Hun Sen, following a border clash between Thai and Cambodian forces in late May that resulted in a Cambodian soldier's death.

This development not only deepens political instability in Thailand but also escalates the already volatile situation between the two Southeast Asian neighbors, reigniting historical territorial disputes and putting Paetongtarn's political future — and her family's dynasty — in serious jeopardy.

What Triggered PM Paetongtarn’s Suspension by Thailand’s Constitutional Court?

On July 2, 2025, the Constitutional Court of Thailand ordered the suspension of 38-year-old Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, daughter of former PM Thaksin Shinawatra. The ruling came in response to a petition filed by 36 Thai senators accusing her of breaching ethical standards and violating constitutional obligations.

At the center of the case is a leaked phone call that Paetongtarn made to Hun Sen on June 15, 2025, during which she made remarks viewed as compromising national interests and undermining the Thai military's authority. This was just weeks after a border clash on May 28, where Thai and Cambodian troops exchanged fire in a disputed territory, leaving one Cambodian soldier dead.

What Did Paetongtarn Say in the Leaked Phone Call With Hun Sen?

According to multiple reports, including from the Associated Press, the conversation was recorded by Hun Sen himself and later shared with over 80 people, eventually getting leaked to the public. The content sparked a political firestorm in Bangkok.

In the recording:

• Paetongtarn referred to Hun Sen as “uncle”, acknowledging his close friendship with her father Thaksin.

• She advised Hun Sen not to listen to “the other side” in Thailand.

• She singled out a vocal Thai army commander critical of Cambodia, calling him “an opponent” who “just wants to look cool.”

• She offered to “manage” the situation and asked Hun Sen to tell her directly what he wanted.

Critics across Thailand’s political and military establishment accused her of being excessively conciliatory and compromising Thailand’s national stance on sensitive territorial matters. Paetongtarn later apologized publicly, defending the call as a “negotiation strategy” and denying that any harm was done to national interests.

Who Is Taking Over as Acting Prime Minister of Thailand?

With Paetongtarn suspended, Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit, 70, has assumed the role of caretaker prime minister.

Suriya is a seasoned political figure:

• He entered politics in the 1990s.

• Served in multiple administrations, including those under the Thai Rak Thai Party and later the Pheu Thai Party.

• Known for his close ties with the Shinawatra family.

His leadership during this interim period will be closely watched, especially with growing parliamentary tensions and public discontent.

What Will Paetongtarn Do During Her Suspension?

In a twist, just before her suspension, Paetongtarn was appointed as Minister of Culture in a cabinet reshuffle earlier on July 2, 2025. She is expected to be sworn in on July 3, 2025, which will legally permit her to attend cabinet meetings despite her suspension from the prime minister’s post.

While she cannot exercise executive authority as PM, her continued cabinet presence ensures she maintains some political visibility during the investigation.

What Is the Status of the Court Case Against Paetongtarn?

• The Constitutional Court has granted Paetongtarn 15 days to formally respond to the accusations.

• After that, legal proceedings will continue, possibly culminating in a verdict that could remove her from office permanently.

Simultaneously, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) is also conducting a parallel investigation into whether Paetongtarn’s call to Hun Sen constitutes a breach of ethical standards. If the NACC finds grounds, the case could go to the Supreme Court, which has the power to ban her from political office entirely.

What’s the Background of the Thailand-Cambodia Border Dispute?

The border tension is centered around disputed areas along the 800 km-long Thailand-Cambodia border, particularly near the Preah Vihear temple, a 1,000-year-old Hindu structure claimed by both nations.

Historical Timeline:

• In 1907, a French colonial map placed the temple within Cambodian territory.

• In 1962, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled in Cambodia’s favor.

• Violent clashes occurred in 2011, prompting a renewed ICJ judgment in 2013, again affirming Cambodia’s sovereignty — a decision still contested by Thailand.

The latest spark was a May 28, 2025, skirmish, when Cambodian troops entered a disputed area, leading to a brief firefight and one Cambodian fatality. Cambodia escalated by:

• Halting Thai media.

• Banning imports of Thai fruit and vegetables.

• Suspending fuel and internet services from Thailand.

In June 2025, Cambodia submitted the dispute to the ICJ for arbitration over multiple zones, while Thailand rejected the move, insisting on resolution through a bilateral mechanism established in 2000.

How Is Parliament Reacting to Paetongtarn’s Suspension?

Thailand’s parliament reconvenes on July 3, 2025. Before the suspension, the Bhumjaithai Party, once a coalition ally, threatened to initiate a no-confidence motion against Paetongtarn’s cabinet as early as Thursday. However:

• With the PM now suspended, such a motion is no longer actionable.

• For any such motion to succeed in the future, Bhumjaithai would need backing from the People’s Party, Thailand’s largest opposition bloc, which remains undecided.

Are Public Protests Against the Government Growing?

Yes. On Saturday, June 29, 2025, several thousand protesters gathered in Bangkok, staging the largest anti-government rally since the Pheu Thai Party took power in 2023.

Protesters demanded Paetongtarn’s resignation, and organizers — many of whom were involved in the anti-Thaksin and anti-Yingluck movements — vowed to escalate if she does not quit voluntarily. The Shinawatra family has a long history of triggering both loyal support and fierce opposition.

Is Former PM Thaksin Shinawatra Facing Legal Trouble Too?

Yes. Thaksin Shinawatra, now 75 years old, is currently under legal scrutiny on multiple fronts:

1. Lese Majeste Charges:

   • Accused of defaming Thailand’s monarchy during a 2015 media interview.

   • Thailand’s lese majeste laws are among the world’s harshest, with penalties up to 15 years in prison per offense.

2. Hospital Stay Investigation:

   • After returning from self-exile in 2023, Thaksin was sentenced but allowed to serve time in a hospital.

   • The Supreme Court is investigating whether his prolonged hospital stay was lawful.

   • If the verdict is adverse, he could be sent to jail immediately.

What’s Next for Thailand?

Thailand is now navigating:

• A leadership vacuum, with a suspended prime minister.

• Growing tensions with Cambodia, including the prospect of an ICJ battle.

• Legal landmines for both Paetongtarn and Thaksin.

• Rising public discontent, marked by swelling protests and party infighting.

The coming weeks will be pivotal for Thailand’s domestic stability and its regional diplomatic stance, especially as nationalist sentiment continues to rise and public trust in the ruling establishment erodes.

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