Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra suspended by constitutional court amid leaked call controversy

New Delhi, July 01: Thailand’s Constitutional Court has suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office, following a public outcry over a leaked phone conversation involving former Cambodian leader Hun Sen. According to the BBC, the court is now reviewing a petition seeking her dismissal, after the audio clip sparked criticism for her informal tone and remarks targeting a Thai military commander.

The suspension marks another setback for the Shinawatra political dynasty, with Paetongtarn becoming the third family member to face removal from office before completing a term. Her ruling coalition has already been weakened by the recent departure of a key conservative partner, leaving it with a slim parliamentary majority.

In a 7-2 decision, the court suspended Paetongtarn while it deliberates on the petition. She has been given 15 days to submit her defence. During her suspension, Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Jungrungruangkit will serve as the acting Prime Minister.

If removed, Paetongtarn would become the second Pheu Thai prime minister to lose office in less than a year. Her predecessor, Srettha Thavisin, was dismissed in August 2024 after appointing a former lawyer with a criminal record to his cabinet. Paetongtarn assumed office shortly afterwards, becoming Thailand’s youngest-ever prime minister at 38, and only the second woman to hold the post after her aunt, Yingluck Shinawatra.