BANGKOK – Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who is currently suspended as Thailand’s prime minister, has formally submitted her defence to the Constitutional Court in response to accusations of ethical misconduct.
The allegations stem from a leaked phone conversation she had with Hun Sen, the Cambodian Senate President. This case has intensified Thailand’s ongoing political issues and could influence both the country’s political future and its fragile relationship with Cambodia. The court’s ruling, expected on 29 August, will be closely watched.
On 1 July 2025, the Constitutional Court suspended Paetongtarn from her prime ministerial duties by a 7-2 vote after conservative senators filed a petition. The suspension followed the emergence of a controversial audio recording from a 15 June call with Hun Sen..
Accusations included that Paetongtarn Shinawatra broke ethical rules and undermined Thailand’s sovereignty, especially given the ongoing border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia. The court initially gave her until 31 July to respond, but extended the deadline to 4 August, stating she needed additional time to gather evidence.
Following her suspension, Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit became the acting prime minister. Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s Pheu Thai-led coalition has struggled with internal pressure, particularly after the Bhumjaithai Party, its second-largest partner, withdrew support over the crisis.
This left the government holding a narrow majority. Paetongtarn’s public approval numbers have dropped sharply, with a recent NIDA poll showing only a 9.2 percent approval rating.
Details of the Leaked Call
The phone conversation at the centre of the dispute took place on 15 June, a few weeks after a fatal border clash on 28 May that killed a Cambodian soldier and raised tensions.
In the call, Paetongtarn Shinawatra addressed Hun Sen warmly, calling him “uncle”, a detail her critics cited as showing excessive familiarity. She also commented on Lt. Gen. Boonsin Padklang, the commander of Thailand’s Second Army Region, claiming he was stirring up public opposition and aligning with her rivals.
What drew the most criticism was Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s remark, “If there’s anything you want, just let me know—I’ll take care of it.” Opponents said this suggested she placed Cambodian interests above Thailand’s.
Many claimed her comments compromised national security and the military’s authority. The leak led to large protests in Bangkok, with demonstrators demanding her resignation.
Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s Explanation to the Court
In her defence, which was submitted on 4 August, Paetongtarn explained that her words should be understood as part of diplomatic efforts and not as an improper offer. She stated that saying she would “take care of” Hun Sen’s requests was a way to prompt the Cambodian leader to share his concerns first. Paetongtarn argued she was trying to open a channel using interest-based negotiation, hoping to calm tensions across the Thai-Cambodian border.
Paetongtarn Shinawatra also clarified her comments about Lt. Gen. Boonsin. She said her remarks were not meant to target Boonsin personally but to keep the border issue separate from individual personalities. She pointed out that Hun Sen’s aide, Huot, had linked Cambodian actions at the border to complaints about Boonsin.
Paetongtarn Shinawatra suggested that both countries agree to reopen their border checkpoints at the same time, but noted that Hun Sen did not respond to this idea. She also said that any offers from Cambodia had to go through proper Thai security channels.
To help calm the situation, Paetongtarn apologized directly to Boonsin. Boonsin later said in public that he was not offended and had no personal dispute with her. Supporting Paetongtarn’s case, her Secretary-General, Dr. Prommin Lertsuride, pointed out her careful decision-making and that she had consulted with military and security leaders before making the call. Dr. Prommin said they trust the court to judge fairly.
Thailand’s Relations with Cambodia Remain Fragile
The leaked conversation has brought more complications to the long-running dispute between Thailand and Cambodia, especially in the region near the Preah Vihear temple. Recent fighting and economic measures, such as border checkpoint closures, have put extra strain on communities on both sides.
A ceasefire brokered by Malaysia as ASEAN chair, with US support, stopped the most recent fighting, but the situation at the border remains uneasy.
Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s call to Hun Sen was an attempt at informal diplomacy to prevent further violence. Her supporters argue that her actions demonstrated a commitment to dialogue and peace, though her critics, including Hun Sen himself, have since questioned her suitability for office and her ability to resolve the conflict.
Cambodia’s government has leveraged the fallout to push for leadership changes in Thailand, adding to the pressure on the current administration.
The Constitutional Court’s decision, slated for 29 August, carries high stakes. A guilty verdict could see Paetongtarn permanently removed and banned from politics, much like Srettha Thavisin, who lost his post in 2024 over a separate ethics case.
This outcome could trigger more political instability, with acting prime minister Phumtham Wechayachai possibly calling new elections. The opposition People’s Party has floated the idea of an interim government, tied to a referendum on constitutional reforms.
The case has again highlighted the influence of conservative forces in Thai politics, particularly as the Constitutional Court and official agencies have often reined in the Shinawatra family’s power.
Paetongtarn Shinawatra now faces not only this inquiry but also a no-confidence vote and investigations by the National Anti-Corruption Commission and Election Commission, which threaten her hold on office even further.
How the court rules will also affect diplomatic engagement with Cambodia. Stable leadership in Bangkok remains essential for meaningful talks, but the current political uncertainty risks leaving border issues unresolved.
With the court’s verdict approaching, Thailand finds itself at a key point, caught between political survival and the challenge of keeping fragile regional peace.
