Thai PM suspended over leaked call with Cambodian official after border incident
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra faced suspension from office on Tuesday amidst an ongoing ethics investigation surrounding a leaked phone call with a senior Cambodian leader. The conversation, which sparked controversy and protests, centered around avoiding armed confrontation and ensuring the safety of soldiers amid a border dispute between the two countries.
The Constitutional Court of Thailand voted unanimously on a petition accusing Paetongtarn of violating ethics, ultimately deciding to suspend her by a 7–2 vote. She was given a deadline of 12 days to provide evidence to the court in her defense. The suspension comes as a blow to Paetongtarn, who emphasized her intentions to protect national sovereignty and the lives of soldiers in the leaked call.
The phone conversation with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen became a point of contention following a border incident in May 2025, resulting in the death of a Cambodian soldier. The exchange of gunfire between Thai and Cambodian troops escalated tensions, with conflicting accounts of the events leading to the deadly confrontation.
Protests erupted in Bangkok calling for Paetongtarn’s resignation after the phone call was leaked, reflecting the polarized opinions on her leadership. The Prime Minister’s predecessor, Srettha Thavisin, was also ousted by the court last year for ethical violations, underscoring the political turbulence in Thailand in recent years.
The suspension of Paetongtarn highlights the delicate balance of power and accountability in Thai politics, as the country grapples with internal strife and external challenges. The Prime Minister’s fate hangs in the balance as she navigates the legal proceedings and public scrutiny surrounding the leaked phone call and its implications for national security.
As Thailand navigates this tumultuous period, the implications of Paetongtarn’s suspension reverberate across the region, shaping the country’s political landscape and its relations with neighboring nations. The outcome of the ethics investigation will have far-reaching consequences for Thai governance and regional stability, underscoring the complexities of leadership in a rapidly evolving geopolitical environment.
In conclusion, the suspension of Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra underscores the fragility of leadership and the challenges of navigating political crises in a volatile region. The unfolding developments will shape the future of Thai politics and regional dynamics, highlighting the interconnectedness of domestic affairs and international relations.
