Tue Jul 01 08:28:55 UTC 2025: ## Thai PM Suspended Amid Ethics Probe Over Leaked Call, Political Crisis Looms
**Bangkok, Thailand** – Thailand’s Constitutional Court has suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra pending an ethics investigation, plunging the nation into further political uncertainty. The decision, announced today, stems from a leaked phone call between Paetongtarn and former Cambodian leader Hun Sen, which senators claim violated the constitution and breached ethical standards.
The court accepted a petition from 36 senators accusing Paetongtarn of dishonesty and misconduct in relation to the June 15 call. In the call, intended to de-escalate border tensions, Paetongtarn referred to Hun Sen as “uncle” and criticized a Thai army commander, a transgression in a country where the military wields considerable influence. While Paetongtarn has apologized and attributed her remarks to negotiation tactics, the leak sparked public outrage and destabilized her coalition government.
Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit will assume a caretaker role while the court deliberates. Paetongtarn, despite the suspension, will remain in the cabinet as the new culture minister. She has 15 days to respond to the allegations.
This latest development marks a tumultuous period for Paetongtarn, who has served as Prime Minister for just 10 months. Her appointment followed the dismissal of her predecessor, Srettha Thavisin, also by the Constitutional Court, for ethics violations.
Analysts suggest the move underscores the declining strength of the Pheu Thai Party, the political force of the Shinawatra dynasty, which has been a dominant force in Thai politics for over two decades.
“Thailand is running out of options,” Al Jazeera’s Tony Cheng reported from Bangkok. “If they decide to suspend Paetongtarn permanently and remove her from her post, it’s very unclear what kind of political crisis Thailand will be in once again.”
Paetongtarn’s government is also grappling with a struggling economy and declining public approval. A recent opinion poll revealed a significant drop in her approval rating.
Adding to the family’s woes, Paetongtarn’s father, Thaksin Shinawatra, is also facing legal challenges. The former Prime Minister appeared in court this week on charges of insulting the monarchy, a crime carrying a potential 15-year prison sentence. Additionally, the Supreme Court will soon review the circumstances of his controversial hospital stay following his return from exile, potentially leading to his re-imprisonment.
The suspension of Prime Minister Paetongtarn and the ongoing legal battles facing her family have fueled political instability and raised concerns about the future of Thai democracy. The country now faces a period of uncertainty as the Constitutional Court deliberates on Paetongtarn’s fate.
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