Thai PM Paetongtarn Faces Suspension Threat Amid Leaked Call Scandal and Thaksin Legal Woes

Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is under mounting pressure as the Constitutional Court reviews a petition filed by 36 senators seeking her dismissal over a leaked phone call with Cambodia’s former leader Hun Sen. The petition accuses Paetongtarn of dishonesty and ethical violations, and if accepted, could lead to her immediate suspension.

During the June 15 call aimed at easing border tensions, the 38-year-old premier was heard criticizing a senior Thai army commander and showing deference to Hun Sen—actions that sparked outrage in a country where the military holds significant sway. Paetongtarn apologized, calling her remarks a negotiation tactic, but public backlash has intensified. Her fragile ruling coalition has begun to unravel, and calls for her resignation are growing, with protests swelling and a no-confidence vote looming.

After just 10 months in office, Paetongtarn’s leadership is being tested severely. Her approval rating has plummeted to 9.2% in June from 30.9% in March, according to recent polling. The crisis underscores waning influence of the once-dominant Pheu Thai Party, long backed by the Shinawatra family, which has weathered coups and court ousters for over two decades.

Further complicating matters, Paetongtarn’s father, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, faces two court cases this month, including one involving alleged insults to the monarchy from a 2015 interview. If convicted, he could face up to 15 years in prison. Thaksin, who returned from exile in 2023 and avoided prison via hospital detention, is also under review by the Supreme Court, which may order his return to jail.

The unfolding political and legal drama signals deepening instability within Thailand’s leadership as it grapples with internal divisions and economic challenges.