Thailand’s Constitutional Court on Tuesday suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra as it launched a formal investigation into her alleged breach of ministerial ethics in connection with a diplomatic dispute with Cambodia.
The decision marks a major setback for the 38-year-old leader, who assumed office less than a year ago and is the daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra — a central figure in Thailand’s long-running political divide between the pro-royalist, military-aligned elite and the populist Shinawatra family, seen by critics as a threat to the country’s traditional hierarchy.
The suspension came on the same day her father, Thaksin, appeared in a Bangkok court to face royal defamation charges under Thailand’s strict lèse-majesté laws. If convicted, he could face up to 15 years in prison.
Ethics Probe Triggered by Cambodia Tensions
The court is investigating whether Paetongtarn violated ethical standards during a recent border crisis with Cambodia. The long-standing territorial dispute escalated into deadly clashes in May, resulting in the death of a Cambodian soldier.
Criticism against Paetongtarn intensified after a leaked recording revealed her referring to Cambodian former leader Hun Sen as “uncle” and calling a Thai military commander her “opponent” during a phone call. The remarks drew fierce backlash from conservative lawmakers, who accused her of undermining the Thai military and failing to uphold the constitutional requirement of “evident integrity” and ethical conduct for ministers.
In a 7-2 ruling, the Constitutional Court ordered her suspension from official duties effective July 1, pending a final verdict on the case.
Political Fallout and Cabinet Shake-up
The scandal has already cost Paetongtarn politically. Her Pheu Thai party has lost the support of a key conservative coalition partner, and thousands took to the streets in Bangkok over the weekend demanding her resignation.
Despite the turmoil, King Maha Vajiralongkorn approved her proposed cabinet reshuffle on Tuesday. Paetongtarn assigned herself the position of culture minister, but it remains uncertain whether she can assume the post while suspended.
Thaksin Faces Royal Defamation Charges
In a separate but politically charged development, Thaksin Shinawatra appeared before a Bangkok criminal court on Tuesday to face charges of royal defamation. The case stems from a 2015 interview he gave to South Korean media, which prosecutors allege violated Thailand’s lèse-majesté laws.
The trial is expected to stretch over several weeks, with a verdict unlikely before the end of next month. The outcome could have far-reaching implications for both Thaksin and the political future of his daughter.
As the court proceedings unfold, Thailand faces renewed political tension, with the Shinawatra family’s future once again at the center of national controversy.
