Thai Political Quake: PM Paetongtarn Suspended Over Leaked Call with Hun Sen
Thai Political Quake: PM Paetongtarn Suspended Over Leaked Call with Hun Sen
Thailand's volatile political landscape has been dramatically reshaped with the Constitutional Court's suspension of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. This bombshell decision follows a petition from 36 senators accusing her of breaching political ethics and dishonesty, stemming from a highly controversial leaked phone call.
The core of this political firestorm is a private conversation between Paetongtarn and former Cambodian Prime Minister, now Senate President, Hun Sen, which reportedly occurred around June 15, 2025. The call took place amidst simmering diplomatic tensions and a tragic border incident with Cambodia. During the leaked audio, Paetongtarn was allegedly heard criticizing a high-ranking Thai army commander and, notably, addressing Hun Sen as "uncle," even reportedly assuring him she would "take care of it" if he desired anything.
Public Outcry and Protests Erupt
This leaked exchange quickly ignited a furious public backlash, particularly among Thailand's conservative and nationalist factions. Critics swiftly accused the Prime Minister of undermining Thai sovereignty and disrespecting the powerful military, which wields immense influence in the nation. Protests have already erupted in Bangkok, with numerous demonstrators vociferously demanding her immediate resignation.
Court's Ruling and Immediate Fallout
The Constitutional Court's decision to suspend her from official duties was reached by a 7-2 vote, pending a full investigation. Paetongtarn has been granted 15 days to present her defense. While stripped of her prime ministerial role for now, she will remarkably remain within the cabinet as the newly appointed Minister of Culture. In her absence, Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit has stepped into the role of acting prime minister.
This incident has also triggered a significant cabinet reshuffle, exacerbated by the Bhumjaithai Party's withdrawal from the ruling coalition in protest over the scandal. This departure has left Paetongtarn's coalition with a razor-thin majority, and whispers of a looming no-confidence vote in parliament are now growing louder.
Double Jeopardy: NACC Launches Parallel Probe
Adding to the Prime Minister's woes, the Office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has initiated its own parallel inquiry into Paetongtarn's conduct. A guilty verdict from the NACC on ethical breaches could lead to her permanent removal from office, echoing a familiar pattern in Thai politics. Her predecessor, Srettha Thavisin, was similarly removed by the Constitutional Court last year over alleged ethical violations, often invoking the same constitutional provisions demanding "evident integrity" from ministers. This ongoing saga highlights the enduring fragility of Thailand's political landscape.
I'm Aisha shehu
Talksocialtalka News
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