On July 16, 2025, Thailand’s Constitutional Court ordered the suspension of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, daughter of former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, pending a full investigation into allegations of breach of constitutional duty and unauthorised foreign engagement.

At the centre of the controversy is a 17-minute phone call she reportedly held with former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen. The call allegedly took place without prior clearance from Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Royal Thai Armed Forces — both of which are required to be looped in for high-level discussions with foreign leaders, under Thailand’s constitutional monarchy system.

What Happened During the Call?

While full transcripts haven’t been released officially, leaks to Thai media suggest that during the private call, Paetongtarn discussed border security issues, trade cooperation, and political advice with Hun Sen, who still remains a powerful figure in Cambodian politics despite stepping down in favour of his son, Hun Manet.

Hun Sen is believed to have offered “strategic suggestions” on how to deal with opposition voices and consolidate authority, a move seen by Thai critics as foreign interference in Thailand’s domestic affairs.

This prompted fierce objections from conservative political groups, royalist factions, and opposition parties in Bangkok, many of whom have long accused the Shinawatra family of undermining Thailand’s traditional power structures.

Constitutional Breach or Political Witch Hunt?

Thailand’s 2023 Constitution strictly limits the Prime Minister’s independent authority over foreign policy matters. All such actions are expected to be reviewed or advised by the King or his appointed council, especially in matters concerning security or borders.

The Constitutional Court stated that Paetongtarn's unilateral communication with a foreign dignitary with significant influence, without official documentation or protocol, could violate Article 159 and Article 188 of the Constitution, which relate to the separation of powers and safeguarding of sovereignty.

Critics argue, however, that this move is politically motivated, aimed at curbing the rising influence of the Pheu Thai party, led by the Shinawatras.

Domestic Fallout: Instability Brewing?

The immediate effect of the suspension has been a wave of political instability:

• The ruling coalition led by Pheu Thai is now leaderless, with Deputy PM Srettha Thavisin appointed interim PM until the court delivers a final verdict.

• Protests have erupted in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, particularly among young urban voters and rural supporters, who view the suspension as a judicial coup.

• The military, while not directly intervening, has increased patrols in border provinces and placed army units on high alert.

The Democrat Party and other conservative factions have demanded a full inquiry, and some have even suggested that the Constitutional Court should move to dissolve the Pheu Thai Party, citing historical precedents.

History of Thailand-Cambodia Relations

Thailand and Cambodia share a long and often tense history, particularly over border disputes, historical monuments (like the Preah Vihear temple), and political asylum cases.

During his tenure, Hun Sen often clashed with Thai leaders, especially during military-led governments. However, the Shinawatra family has historically enjoyed warmer relations with Cambodian leadership, raising eyebrows in Thailand's traditional power circles.

This historic closeness between the Shinawatras and Hun Sen is now at the heart of current suspicions.

What’s Next for Paetongtarn and Thai Politics?

The Constitutional Court is expected to deliver a final verdict within 45 days. If found guilty, Paetongtarn may be permanently disqualified from holding public office, and criminal proceedings could follow.

Meanwhile, Thailand faces a growing divide:

• Rural vs Urban voters

• Progressive vs Conservative blocs

• Elected leaders vs unelected institutions (Monarchy, Military, Judiciary)

If the suspension leads to permanent disqualification, early elections or coalition reshuffling could be on the cards, potentially opening the door for the military-backed Palang Pracharath Party to return to power.

Conclusion

The suspension of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has triggered not just a constitutional and diplomatic crisis, but also renewed fault lines in Thai society. With deep-seated distrust of the Shinawatra family among royalist and military circles, the incident involving Hun Sen’s unsolicited “advice” may become a watershed moment in Thailand’s fragile democratic experiment.

The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether this is just a procedural response to an alleged overstep — or the start of another major political upheaval in Southeast Asia.

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