Thailand’s Constitutional Court on Tuesday suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from official duties, intensifying the political crisis facing her government, which is already under mounting pressure from both within parliament and the public. The suspension follows the court's decision to accept a petition filed by 36 senators, accusing Paetongtarn of dishonesty and violating ethical standards as stipulated in the Thai constitution.
The case stems from a leaked telephone conversation between Paetongtarn and Cambodia’s former leader Hun Sen, widely regarded as a powerful regional figure. The call, which was intended to ease escalating tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border, sparked domestic outrage after Paetongtarn was heard making remarks perceived as undermining Thailand's military establishment—an institution with significant influence in the country's political sphere.
In a statement, the Constitutional Court confirmed, “The court has considered the petition and unanimously accepts the case for consideration.” Paetongtarn has been given 15 days to respond to the charges but remains a cabinet member, recently appointed as culture minister following a government reshuffle.
Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit will serve as caretaker prime minister until the court reaches a verdict. “Government work does not stop; there is no problem,” stated Tourism Minister and Pheu Thai Party Secretary-General Sorawong Thienthong. “Suriya will become caretaker prime minister.”
Political Fallout and Fractured Coalition
The fallout from the leaked conversation has left Paetongtarn’s fragile coalition government with a razor-thin majority. A key party has already withdrawn its support, and opposition groups are reportedly preparing to push for a no-confidence vote in parliament. Meanwhile, street protests have intensified, with demonstrators calling for Paetongtarn’s resignation.
During the controversial June 15 call, Paetongtarn, aged 38 and Thailand's youngest-ever prime minister, was heard bowing to Hun Sen and criticising a senior Thai army commander—a significant breach of political protocol in a nation where the military wields considerable authority. Although she has apologised, insisting her comments were a strategic move in tense negotiations, the incident has fueled public discontent.
Challenges for the Shinawatra Dynasty
Paetongtarn's suspension underscores the diminishing dominance of the Pheu Thai Party, the populist powerhouse led by the influential Shinawatra family, which has controlled Thai politics since 2001 despite enduring multiple coups and judicial interventions that have unseated successive governments.
Her brief 10-month tenure has been marked by political inexperience and mounting challenges, including economic stagnation and declining public approval. A recent opinion poll conducted from June 19 to 25 revealed her approval rating plummeting to just 9.2%, down from 30.9% in March.
Legal Troubles for Thaksin Shinawatra
The crisis deepens with legal troubles facing Paetongtarn's father, Thaksin Shinawatra, the family patriarch and former prime minister. Thaksin, long a polarising figure in Thai politics, appeared in Bangkok's Criminal Court on Tuesday, facing charges of lèse-majesté—a serious offence carrying up to 15 years in prison for insulting the monarchy. His lawyer has denied the allegations, emphasising Thaksin’s loyalty to the crown.
The case is linked to a 2015 interview Thaksin gave during his self-imposed exile. After 15 years abroad, he returned to Thailand in 2023 to face prison sentences related to conflicts of interest and abuse of power. However, Thaksin, 75, served just six months under hospital detention, citing medical concerns, before being released on parole in February last year.
The Supreme Court is set to review the legitimacy of Thaksin's medical parole later this month, with the possibility of him being returned to prison if irregularities are found.
As Thailand’s political crisis deepens, the fate of both Paetongtarn Shinawatra and her father hangs in the balance, with the country's stability once again under threat.
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