Thailand’s Constitutional Court on Tuesday reportedly suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office, deepening political uncertainty in a country already facing economic strain and diplomatic tensions.
The move comes amid scrutiny of her response to a deadly border skirmish with Cambodia and days before a steep U.S. tariff increase is set to take effect.
The court’s decision follows a formal petition filed by 36 senators, who accused Paetongtarn of jeopardizing national security during a phone call with Cambodia’s former prime minister, Hun Sen.
In the recorded call—leaked and later published by Hun Sen’s office—Paetongtarn referred to him as “uncle” and characterized Thailand’s military as her “opponent,” language that critics say undercut the country’s sovereignty.
A government coalition partner withdrew its support following the leak, and over the weekend, protesters flooded central Bangkok, calling for her resignation.
Though Paetongtarn has defended her words as an attempt to ease tensions, the court has now given her 15 days to respond before issuing a final judgment, which could result in her permanent removal.
Speaking to reporters outside Government House, Paetongtarn said she accepted the court’s order. “I only thought about peace,” she said. “No leader should act in a way that would bring bloodshed.”
Paetongtarn, 38, took office just last year, making history as Southeast Asia’s youngest head of government.
Her rise marked a return of the Shinawatra family to power—her father, Thaksin Shinawatra, and aunt, Yingluck Shinawatra, both served as prime ministers before being ousted by court rulings and military intervention.
If removed, Paetongtarn would become the third family member to lose the premiership under similar circumstances.
Her suspension also complicates Thailand’s economic outlook. The Trump administration is preparing to impose a 36% reciprocal tariff on Thai goods, a move that Paetongtarn’s government had been scrambling to avert.
With her authority in limbo, it is unclear who will lead any last-minute negotiations with Washington.
Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit has assumed her responsibilities in the interim, though questions remain over the stability of the governing coalition.
Paetongtarn’s tenure has been marked by the lingering influence of the military and monarchy, despite public support for reform.
Her predecessor, Srettha Thavisin, was also ousted by the court, part of a broader trend of judicial interventions in Thai politics.
The outcome of the case could further reshape the political landscape in a country where power struggles between elected leaders and traditional elites continue to define governance.
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