The decision, reached in a 7–2 vote by the court, follows a petition demanding Paetongtarn’s removal for a leaked conversation in which she referred to Hun Sen as “uncle” and criticized a senior Thai military commander. The court will now decide whether the remarks constitute grounds for dismissal. She has 15 days to file her defense.

The incident has drawn ire from conservative lawmakers, who accuse her of undermining Thailand’s military and pandering to a foreign government amid an unresolved border dispute. The backlash comes just weeks after a Cambodian soldier was killed in renewed tensions along the Thai-Cambodian frontier.

Political Fallout for the Shinawatra Dynasty

If removed, Paetongtarn would be the third member of the influential Shinawatra family to be ousted from office before completing a full term. Her father, Thaksin Shinawatra, and aunt, Yingluck, were both previously deposed in military-led ousters. Paetongtarn was sworn in just months ago, following the removal of her predecessor Srettha Thavisin.

Already struggling with a sluggish economy and declining approval ratings — down to 9.2% from 30.9% in March — her political standing has been severely weakened. Despite the suspension, she will retain her newly appointed role as culture minister.

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Leaked Audio and National Backlash

Addressing the controversy, Paetongtarn apologized and insisted her call with Hun Sen was “more than 100% for the country,” emphasizing her intent to deescalate tensions and avoid bloodshed. “I had no intent to do it for my own interest,” she said, urging critics to listen carefully to her tone and intent.

The scandal has sparked protests and public debate over the legitimacy of her suspension, which critics say reflects a broader trend of judicial intervention in Thai politics. The Constitutional Court has dissolved 34 political parties since 2006, including the Move Forward party, which won the 2023 election but was blocked from forming a government.

Broader Shinawatra Turmoil

The court’s ruling coincides with the ongoing legal battle of Thaksin Shinawatra, Paetongtarn’s father, who faces lèse-majesté charges over a nine-year-old interview with a South Korean newspaper. His return from exile in 2023 was part of a controversial political bargain involving Pheu Thai and its former conservative adversaries, including the military and pro-monarchy elites.

Analyst Titipol Phakdeewanich criticized the court’s role, saying, “This has become a pattern in Thai politics… not what a true political process is supposed to be.”