(Rightallegiance.com) – Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been suspended from office following a leaked phone call that stirred a national uproar and deepened a deadly border dispute with neighboring Cambodia. The Constitutional Court voted to remove her temporarily while it investigates allegations that she violated ethical conduct standards. The controversy erupted after the contents of a phone conversation between Shinawatra and Cambodia’s Senate President were made public, revealing comments that many interpreted as undermining Thailand’s military and favoring foreign interests.
In the leaked call, Shinawatra was heard addressing the Cambodian official with unusual familiarity, referring to him as “uncle,” and describing a senior Thai military commander as an “opponent.” The conversation took place after a fatal incident at the Thailand-Cambodia border, where a Cambodian soldier was killed during a confrontation with Thai troops. The perceived conciliatory tone of Shinawatra’s remarks triggered public backlash, with protests breaking out in Bangkok and political pressure mounting within her own governing coalition. As the fallout intensified, one coalition partner withdrew support from the government, pushing Shinawatra’s administration into crisis.
Though Shinawatra defended her comments as an effort to prevent further violence and stabilize regional tensions, critics accused her of compromising national security and showing favoritism toward Cambodia. Her suspension has reignited longstanding tensions between Thailand’s elected leaders and its powerful unelected institutions, such as the military and judiciary—tensions that have defined much of the country’s recent political history. With her approval ratings sinking and political allies distancing themselves, Shinawatra now has 15 days to respond to the court’s charges. In the meantime, Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit has taken over as acting head of government. The future remains uncertain, as Thailand braces for potential political upheaval and the unresolved border dispute continues to fuel international concern.