A sudden jolt hit the government this week. The nation’s top court ordered Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to stop working. This temporary suspension comes as the court reviews a complaint asking for her removal from office.
On July 1, 2025, the Constitutional Court made its decision. All nine judges agreed to hear a complaint from 36 senators. This complaint focused on a leaked phone call. Then, by a vote of seven to two, the court told Paetongtarn to step aside. She must stay out of office until the court finishes its review of the case.
The phone call at the heart of this problem happened on June 15. It was a chat between Paetongtarn and Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen. The call was meant to calm tensions near the border. But during their talk, the Prime Minister called Hun Sen “uncle.” She also criticized a military leader, calling him an “opponent.”
News of this leaked conversation caused a stir across the country. It added to the Prime Minister’s troubles. Her government had already lost a major partner, the Bhumjaithai Party. They left the coalition over disagreements about cabinet jobs. This left Paetongtarn’s government with only a tiny majority in parliament. Protests also erupted, with many people demanding she resign.
A Recurring Political Drama
This isn’t the first time the Shinawatra family has faced such challenges. Channel News Asia pointed out that Paetongtarn has been Prime Minister for only 10 months. Her current troubles show how deep the power struggle runs. This conflict has pitted the Shinawatra family against military-backed forces for over 20 years.
The current events also signal a weakening for the Pheu Thai Party. This party, tied to the Shinawatra family, has won many elections since 2001. Yet, it has often seen its governments overthrown by military coups or dissolved by court orders. Several prime ministers linked to the family have been removed this way.
Paetongtarn, at 38, is the youngest Prime Minister the country has ever had. This is her first major experience in high-level politics. She took office after the last Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, was also removed. The Constitutional Court found Srettha guilty of an ethics breach. He had appointed someone to his cabinet who had a criminal record.
Challenges on All Fronts
Beyond her political and international problems, Paetongtarn’s government also struggles with the economy. Her public support has dropped sharply. A poll from June 19 to 25 showed her approval rating had fallen from 30.9% in March to just 9.2%.
And it’s not just Paetongtarn facing difficulties. Her influential father, Thaksin Shinawatra, also faces legal battles. Thaksin is a key force behind the current government. He is dealing with accusations of insulting the monarchy. There are also questions about why he is staying in a hospital instead of prison, despite a jail sentence.
Source: cna