Thailand PM Paetongtarn Suspended Over Leaked Call With Hun Sen
Thailand is in the throes of a fresh political crisis after Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra was suspended by the Constitutional Court over a leaked phone call with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen. The suspension follows a petition filed by 36 senators accusing her of ethical misconduct, with the court agreeing to examine whether her private conversation violated constitutional boundaries and compromised national interest.
Suspension Triggers Power Vacuum
Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit has taken over as acting prime minister while the court conducts its inquiry over the next 15 days. In the meantime, public anger has surged. Thousands gathered at Bangkok’s Victory Monument denouncing Paetongtarn as a “traitor” and “sell-out,” accusing her of placing personal relationships above national duty.
The controversy stems from a nine-minute audio clip in which Paetongtarn affectionately referred to Hun Sen as “uncle,” promised to “take care of anything,” and criticized a Thai army commander as “opposition.” These comments, which surfaced weeks after a border skirmish between Thai and Cambodian troops on May 28, were widely viewed as diplomatically inappropriate and a betrayal of Thai security forces.
Coalition in Disarray
The political fallout was swift. The Bhumjaithai Party, a key coalition partner, withdrew its support on the day the audio was leaked, leaving the government without a clear majority. Other parties have gone silent or are reportedly considering similar moves. With Parliament due to reconvene soon, the opposition is gearing up for a no-confidence motion. Paetongtarn’s popularity has cratered, plunging from over 30% in March to barely 9% in the latest public opinion polls.
Investigations and Legal Jeopardy
In addition to the Constitutional Court’s review, the National Anti-Corruption Commission has launched an independent probe, which could lead to criminal charges and possibly a political ban. The outcome could bar Paetongtarn from holding public office again, echoing past political exits in her family. Her father Thaksin was ousted in 2006, and her aunt Yingluck was removed in 2014—both under pressure from military-aligned institutions.
National Security and Foreign Policy Blowback
The timing and tone of the leaked call—especially amid active military tensions—have raised alarms about national security and foreign policy protocol. Critics say her direct outreach to Hun Sen, bypassing official diplomatic channels and undermining military command, reveals serious judgment flaws. The military, already skeptical of Paetongtarn’s leadership, is reportedly incensed by her remarks and could become a decisive force in what happens next.
Thailand now faces a precarious political moment. As legal proceedings unfold and coalition dynamics shift, the immediate future of the country’s leadership remains uncertain. Paetongtarn’s suspension has opened a familiar chapter in Thai politics—one where democratic leaders find themselves cornered by scandal, protests, and the enduring tug-of-war with entrenched power centers.
