Thailand’s Prime Minister Suspended Amidst Border Dispute and Ethics Probe

In a stunning turn of events, Thailand’s Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, has been suspended from her duties, igniting a fresh wave of political uncertainty. This decision stems from an ethics investigation, tied to a leaked phone call concerning a border dispute, further destabilizing the nation’s already fragile political landscape.

The Suspension and Its Fallout

The Constitutional Court of Thailand made the decision on Tuesday, pending the outcome of an ethics inquiry. This inquiry pertains to the premier’s conduct during a phone conversation with a senior Cambodian leader. Critics have voiced concerns about her handling of the border dispute, an issue that recently involved an armed clash.

The suspension followed a unanimous vote to review accusations that Paetongtarn breached ethical guidelines. Furthermore, a 7-2 vote immediately removed her from her role, effective immediately. Paetongtarn now has fifteen days to submit evidence in her defense.

Protesters gather at Victory Monument demanding Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra resign in Bangkok, Thailand, Saturday, June 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)pic.twitter.com/tXwS8gM63b

— World Today News (@WorldTodayNews) June 29, 2025

“I only thought about what to do to avoid troubles, what to do to avoid armed confrontation, for the soldiers not to suffer any loss,”

—Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Prime Minister

Recent data shows that Thailand’s political instability has cost the nation’s economy an estimated 10% GDP loss over the last decade, according to the World Bank (World Bank 2024).

Underlying Political Turmoil

The prime minister’s removal also coincides with increasing economic headwinds and growing public discontent directed towards her and her Pheu Thai party. Critics contend her government has underperformed.

This incident presents a potential for further instability. Suriya Jungrungruangkit, the Deputy Prime Minister, will temporarily assume leadership, as announced by the Minister of the Prime Minister’s Office, Chousak Sirinil. Previously, the King endorsed a cabinet reshuffle.

Paetongtarn is the third individual from her family to lead as prime minister and the third to face the possibility of being removed prior to their term’s conclusion. This pattern amplifies recurring instability unless foundational reforms are undertaken, including limiting the influence of non-elected entities, according to Purawich Watanasukh, a Thammasat University lecturer.

Details of the Leaked Call

During the phone conversation concerning border tensions, Paetongtarn urged Hun Sen, a longtime friend of her father, not to heed a Thai regional army commander who had publicly criticized Cambodia. She referred to the commander as “an opponent.”

Paetongtarn also faces separate investigations by another agency concerning the leaked call. The courts are perceived as guardians of the royalist establishment, capable of obstructing political rivals. Moreover, the prime minister’s father, Thaksin Shinawatra, has faced several legal challenges since his return to Thailand.