Thailand’s Constitutional Court Suspends PM Paetongtarn Over Leaked Cambodia Call

Thailand’s Constitutional Court has suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office after accepting a petition seeking her removal over a leaked phone conversation involving sensitive border issues with Cambodia.

The court announced on Tuesday that a unanimous panel of judges agreed to temporarily relieve Paetongtarn of her duties to prevent “serious and irreparable damage” while the case is being reviewed.

In a statement, the court said she is barred from exercising powers related to national security, foreign affairs, and finance until a final ruling is issued.

The suspension follows a petition filed by a group of senators accusing the 38-year-old prime minister of violating constitutional ethics through her telephone exchange with Cambodian Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen.

Reacting to the ruling, Paetongtarn told reporters at Government House that she humbly accepted the court’s decision and would submit her formal explanation within the 15-day deadline.

Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit will now serve as acting prime minister and is expected to lead newly appointed cabinet members in a swearing-in ceremony on Thursday.

Earlier on Tuesday, before the court’s announcement, Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn approved a cabinet reshuffle proposed by Paetongtarn following the withdrawal of a key party from the ruling coalition.

Paetongtarn, leader of the Pheu Thai Party and daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, became Thailand’s youngest and second female prime minister after her appointment in August 2024.