BANGKOK: Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been suspended from office by the country’s Constitutional Court, which is investigating whether she breached ministerial ethics during a recent diplomatic spat with Cambodia.
The court’s decision marks a dramatic escalation in the political crisis engulfing Paetongtarn, the 38-year-old daughter of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who also appeared in court the same day over separate royal defamation charges.
The Constitutional Court voted 7-2 to suspend Paetongtarn from her duties as Prime Minister while it deliberates on her conduct during a border dispute with Cambodia that turned deadly in May, resulting in the death of a Cambodian soldier.
The case centers on a leaked phone call in which Paetongtarn reportedly addressed Cambodian former leader Hun Sen as “uncle” and referred to a Thai military commander as her “opponent.” The remarks drew fierce criticism from conservative lawmakers, who accused her of undermining the Thai military and bowing to Cambodia during a sensitive national security issue.
Critics claim her behavior violated constitutional standards requiring “evident integrity” and “ethical conduct” from ministers.
“The Constitutional Court with a majority of 7-2 suspends the respondent from Prime Ministerial duty from 1 July until the Court has made its ruling,” the court said in a statement.
The scandal has already triggered major political consequences. A key conservative coalition partner has withdrawn support from her Pheu Thai party, and thousands of protesters took to the streets in Bangkok over the weekend demanding her resignation.
Despite the political turmoil, Thailand’s King has approved a cabinet reshuffle, including Paetongtarn’s self-assignment as Minister of Culture, a post she was expected to assume Thursday. However, it remains unclear if she can serve in the role while under suspension.
In a separate but politically charged case, Paetongtarn’s father Thaksin Shinawatra appeared before a Bangkok criminal court on lese majeste charges, a law that criminalizes defaming or insulting the monarchy.
The charges stem from a 2015 interview Thaksin gave to South Korean media. If convicted, he faces up to 15 years in prison. The trial began on Tuesday but is expected to last for weeks, with no verdict expected soon.
“I can’t speak on his behalf about how he feels, but I think he seems chill,” Thaksin’s lawyer Winyat Chatmontri told AFP.
Analysts say the twin legal troubles facing father and daughter reflect deeper political tensions in Thailand, where the pro-military, royalist establishment remains deeply wary of the Shinawatra family’s enduring influence.
“There is a direct, undeniable linkage between the two cases,” said Thai political analyst Thitinan Pongsudhirak, noting that the Shinawatra brand is facing “a critical dilution.”
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