In a dramatic political development, Thailand’s Constitutional Court has temporarily suspended Prime Minister Phatthana Shinawatra from office following allegations stemming from a leaked phone conversation linked to a border dispute with Cambodia. The court’s decision came after a 7–2 ruling on July 1, ordering Shinawatra to step aside pending a formal investigation into his conduct.
The controversy revolves around a confidential phone call between Phatthana Shinawatra and Hun Sen, former Prime Minister of Cambodia and current President of the Cambodian Senate. In the call, Shinawatra allegedly made controversial remarks criticizing a Thai military officer and assured the Cambodian authorities of peace and cooperation, a move his critics have branded as treasonous.
The call surfaced in the wake of rising tensions at the Thai-Cambodian border, where a Cambodian soldier was killed in clashes on May 28. In response, Prime Minister Shinawatra adopted a conciliatory approach aimed at de-escalating the situation. However, this move triggered a backlash from nationalist groups and pro-military factions, who viewed it as a betrayal of national interests.
The scandal has led to significant political repercussions. The Bhumjaithai Party, a key ally in the ruling coalition, has withdrawn its support, weakening Shinawatra’s parliamentary position. In response to the growing unrest, King Vajiralongkorn has reportedly reshuffled the cabinet and dismissed several ministers, further isolating the prime minister. Adding to the crisis, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has launched an independent investigation to determine whether Shinawatra’s actions violated ethical standards. If found guilty, he could face permanent disqualification from office.
The situation has sparked widespread protests across Bangkok, with thousands taking to the streets demanding Shinawatra’s resignation. The controversy has severely dented public confidence in his leadership, posing one of the most serious challenges of his political career.
Meanwhile, Pettongtarn Shinawatra, a prominent figure from the influential Shinawatra family, expressed faith in the judicial process and urged the public to remain calm. However, with political tensions rising and public unrest growing, Thailand finds itself at a critical juncture. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether Phatthana Shinawatra can weather the storm or if the leaked phone call will mark the end of his tenure as prime minister.