01-07-2025

Thai PM Suspended Over Leaked Cambodia Call

Date: 01-07-2025
Sources: nytimes.com: 1 | scmp.com: 1 | theguardian.com: 1
Image for cluster 7
Image Source:

Source: scmp.com

Image content: The image shows a woman in a green blazer moving through a crowd of people and photographers. Cameras and phones are pointed at her, suggesting a media scrum or public event, with security or aides closely surrounding her.

Summary

Thailand’s Constitutional Court has suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra while it investigates alleged ethical breaches stemming from a leaked call with Cambodia’s Hun Sen during a tense border dispute. The suspension, decided 7–2 after a petition by senators, comes amid mass protests, a coalition partner’s defection, and plunging approval ratings, raising fears of prolonged political instability. An acting prime minister will serve during the inquiry, which mirrors past legal interventions against Shinawatra-aligned leaders. Paetongtarn defends the remarks as negotiation tactics, even as her father, ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra, faces a lese-majesty trial, highlighting Thailand’s enduring rift between the Shinawatra camp and the conservative military-royalist establishment.

Key Points

  • Constitutional Court voted 7–2 to suspend Paetongtarn pending ethics probe
  • Leaked call with Hun Sen amid Thailand-Cambodia border tensions sparked outrage
  • Government weakened by protests, coalition defection, and falling approval ratings
  • Acting prime minister appointed as court reviews case; timeline uncertain
  • Case echoes prior legal moves against Shinawatra allies; Thaksin faces lese-majesty trial

Articles in this Cluster

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra Suspended Amid Cambodia Dispute - The New York Times

Thailand’s Constitutional Court suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra in a 7-2 ruling while it reviews a complaint that could remove her from office, stemming from a leaked call with Cambodia’s Hun Sen in which she used a deferential tone and appeared to slight Thailand’s military. The episode intensified political turmoil: mass protests, a major coalition partner’s defection, and the prospect of a no-confidence vote. Analysts say legal maneuvers, not a military coup, are the likeliest path to ousting her, echoing last year’s court removal of her predecessor. Paetongtarn, seen as influenced by her father, former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, faces mounting pressure as Thaksin himself goes on trial for allegedly insulting the monarchy.
Entities: Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thailand’s Constitutional Court, Hun Sen, Cambodia, Thailand’s militaryTone: analyticalSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Breaking | Thai court suspends PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra over leaked phone call | South China Morning Post

Thailand’s Constitutional Court unanimously accepted a petition alleging ethical breaches by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra over a leaked phone call with a senior Cambodian leader and voted 7–2 to suspend her from duty pending investigation. She has 15 days to submit evidence. The suspension follows public discontent over her handling of a May 28 border clash with Cambodia that left one Cambodian soldier dead. An acting prime minister will serve until the court’s final ruling, a process that could take time, raising concerns about government stability.
Entities: Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thailand’s Constitutional Court, Cambodia, South China Morning Post, border clashTone: urgentSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Thailand’s PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra suspended over leaked Hun Sen call | Thailand | The Guardian

Thailand’s Constitutional Court suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra while it reviews a petition by 36 senators alleging ethical violations over a leaked call with Cambodia’s former leader Hun Sen. In the recording, Paetongtarn calls Hun Sen “uncle,” offers to “take care of” his requests, and criticizes a Thai military commander, sparking public outrage amid a tense Thailand-Cambodia border dispute. Her government has been weakened by a coalition partner’s exit, mass protests, and a sharp drop in approval ratings. Paetongtarn accepted the ruling, calling her remarks a negotiating tactic. Deputy PM Suriya Juangroongruangkit becomes caretaker as the court deliberates. Meanwhile, her father, ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra, faces a lese-majesty case, underscoring Thailand’s long-running struggle between the Shinawatra camp and the conservative military-royalist establishment.
Entities: Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Hun Sen, Thailand Constitutional Court, Suriya Juangroongruangkit, Thaksin ShinawatraTone: analyticalSentiment: negativeIntent: inform