Thai Constitutional Court Suspends Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from Duty

Thai Constitutional Court Suspends Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from Duty

[Bangkok, July 1, 2025] — Thailand's Constitutional Court has temporarily suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from her duties. She will not be allowed to serve as prime minister until a verdict is reached in a pending case filed against her. The decision has triggered widespread public reaction and sparked protests across the capital, Bangkok.

The ruling came in response to a petition submitted by 36 senators. They accused Paetongtarn of leaking a politically sensitive phone conversation, thereby violating constitutional ethics and acting dishonestly. The court announced it had unanimously accepted the case for hearing.

Surya Appointed Interim Prime Minister

Following her suspension, Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit has assumed the role of interim prime minister. As part of a cabinet reshuffle, Paetongtarn now holds the position of Culture Minister and has been given 15 days to formally respond to the court case.

Controversial Leaked Call

The political crisis erupted after a confidential phone call between Paetongtarn and former Cambodian leader Hun Sen was leaked. In the conversation, she was heard criticizing a Thai military commander and expressing diplomatic deference to Hun Sen. The incident is seen as having crossed a critical line in Thailand’s military-influenced political culture.

Paetongtarn later apologized, claiming the conversation was part of a diplomatic strategy. However, the fallout continued. A key coalition party has since withdrawn its support for the government, and a no-confidence vote is now being prepared in parliament.

Shinawatra Family’s Dominance at Risk

Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who assumed office just ten months ago, now faces a severe political crisis that threatens the decades-long dominance of the Shinawatra family in Thai politics. Since 2001, the family—led by former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra—has played a central role in the country's political landscape, despite repeated military coups and court rulings against them.

A public opinion poll conducted between June 19–25 showed a sharp decline in Paetongtarn’s popularity—from 30.9% in March to just 9.2% now.

Cases Against Thaksin Shinawatra

Meanwhile, Paetongtarn’s father and political mentor, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, is also facing legal troubles. On Tuesday, he appeared in a Bangkok criminal court where he is facing charges of lèse-majesté stemming from a 2015 media interview he gave while in self-imposed exile. In Thailand, lèse-majesté charges can carry a maximum prison sentence of up to 15 years.

Thaksin has denied the allegations and reaffirmed his loyalty to the monarchy. After returning to Thailand in 2023 following 15 years in exile, he was imprisoned for abuse of power but later transferred to a hospital due to health issues. He was released on parole in February.

However, the Supreme Court is now reviewing the legality of his hospital stay. If it is deemed improper, he could be returned to prison.