Tue Jul 01 09:20:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been suspended from her duties pending an ethics probe by the Constitutional Court. The probe stems from a leaked phone call with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen where she appeared to criticize the Thai army and offered to handle matters for Hun Sen personally. This has led to accusations of compromising national interests, protests, the withdrawal of a coalition partner, and a looming no-confidence vote. Paetongtarn defends her actions as attempts to de-escalate border tensions and claims her intentions were purely for the good of Thailand. This suspension further destabilizes Thailand’s already turbulent political landscape.
**News Article:**
**Thai Prime Minister Suspended Amid Ethics Probe Over Leaked Call with Cambodian Leader**
**BANGKOK, Thailand** – Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been suspended from office by the Constitutional Court pending an ethics investigation, plunging the country into further political uncertainty. The suspension, announced Tuesday, is linked to a leaked phone call between Paetongtarn and former Cambodian strongman Hun Sen, which has sparked public outrage and accusations that she compromised Thailand’s national interests.
The leaked conversation, reportedly from June 15, revealed Paetongtarn referring to Hun Sen as “uncle” and seemingly criticizing the Thai army’s actions following recent border clashes. She also appeared to offer to personally handle any requests from Hun Sen. The authenticity of the call has been confirmed by both sides.
The Constitutional Court accepted a petition from 36 senators alleging Paetongtarn violated ethical standards. While suspended from the premiership, she will remain in the Cabinet as culture minister following a reshuffle.
The scandal has already triggered significant political repercussions. Anti-government protests erupted in Bangkok over the weekend, and the Bhumjaithai party, a key coalition partner, withdrew its support from Paetongtarn’s Pheu Thai party. She also faces declining approval ratings and a looming no-confidence vote in Parliament.
Paetongtarn defended her actions, stating that her intentions were to de-escalate tensions with Cambodia, a neighboring country with whom Thailand shares a historically complex relationship. “I want to make it clear that my intentions were more than 100% sincere—I acted for the country, to protect our sovereignty, to safeguard the lives of our soldiers, and to preserve peace in our nation,” she said at a press conference.
This suspension adds to Thailand’s recent history of political turmoil. Paetongtarn only assumed office last year after her predecessor was removed by the same Constitutional Court for ethical breaches. The court also dissolved the popular progressive Move Forward Party after it secured the most votes in the 2023 election. The future of Thailand’s leadership now hangs in the balance as the Constitutional Court deliberates on the ethics probe against Paetongtarn.
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