Thai Prime Minister: From leaked phone recording scandal to facing pressure to resign

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On July 1, 2025, when the Constitutional Court of Thailand suspended Paetongtarn Shinawatra as Prime Minister, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra , her father, also went to court on charges of violating military law.
Bangkok, Thailand â On July 1, 2025, Thailand's Constitutional Court ruled to suspend Paetongtarn Shinawatra as Prime Minister, marking an important turning point in Thailand's already turbulent political landscape.
The decision comes as the Court considers a petition from 36 senators who accuse Paetongtarn of being dishonest and violating ethical standards in a case involving the appointment of a senior official.
The incident stemmed from a leaked phone conversation between Ms. Paetongtarn and Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen. During this conversation, Ms. Paetongtarn was accused of showing excessive respect for Hun Sen, while condemning a Thai military commander. The senators filed a petition with the Constitutional Court. asked to consider whether her behavior violated ethics and the rules of public service.
The Constitutional Court accepted this petition and conducted a review. Paetongtarn's decision to suspend her position was made with the consensus of 7 out of 9 judges, effective immediately from July 1, 2025.
This ruling is not a final ruling on the case, but an interim measure while the Court conducts a more extensive investigation. Ms. Paetongtarn has 15 days to present her defense before the Court.
The Prime Minister's immediate suspension creates a temporary power vacuum in the Thai government. According to the Bangkok Post , during Paetongtarn's suspension, Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit will become the acting prime minister leading the government.
The Constitutional Court's decision is expected to significantly increase pressure on the current government. The ruling coalition, which has faced many slim majority losses, is likely to face internal challenges and the possibility of restructuring.
The situation could also spur calls for early elections from the opposition and the public, especially given that Paetongtarn's approval rating has dropped significantly.
It is worth noting that despite being suspended as Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra will retain her position in the cabinet as Culture Minister. The fact that she remains in a key position in the government shows the complexity of Thailand's political situation, where family ties and political networks still play a central role.
This incident not only affects Ms. Paetongtarn personally but also adds to the instability in Thai politics. The current government has been facing many turbulences, from opposition protests to economic challenges.
Moreover, Paetongtarn's father, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, is also facing legal issues, including charges of defamation against the royal family, which further complicates the general political landscape.
The suspension of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is the latest development, reflecting the lingering tensions and instability in Thailand's political system. The Constitutional Court's decision not only causes changes in the leadership but could also spark greater upheaval. from internal power struggles to the possibility of early elections.
The public and observers are closely watching the next moves from the Court and the government's reaction to predict the direction of Thai politics in the near future.
On July 1, 2025, another important legal development is also attracting public attention: former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, Paetongtarn's father, has gone to court on charges of violating military law.
This is a very serious crime in Thailand, with a penalty frame of up to 15 years in prison if convicted. The allegations relate to comments Thaksin allegedly made in a 2015 interview in South Korea. The case was investigated and prosecuted after Thaksin returned to Thailand in August 2023, after years of exile.
Thaksin has adamantly denied the allegations against the military, saying they were politically motivated. He has also repeatedly publicly pledged allegiance to the Thai royal family, in an attempt to ease tensions and skepticism surrounding these allegations.
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