Why Thailand’s Prime Minister was suspended over a leaked phone call: summary

Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra looks during a press conference, in Bangkok

FILE PHOTO: Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra looks during a press conference after a meeting on measures to solve transnational crimes,at the Government House, following a leak on Wednesday of a phone call between her and Cambodia's former Prime Minister Hun Sen, amid a border dispute between the two countries, in Bangkok, Thailand, June 23, 2025. Government House of Thailand Handout via REUTERS/File Photo

Source: Handout

What we know

Thailand’s top court has suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra while it investigates a leaked phone call linked to a recent border dispute with Cambodia.
The Constitutional Court accepted the case and voted to remove her from office temporarily as ethics concerns are reviewed.
The phone call, made during sensitive talks following a deadly clash at the Thai-Cambodian border, sparked widespread criticism and street protests.
Paetongtarn's coalition government has already lost support, with a major party exiting and a royal-approved Cabinet reshuffle following soon after.
She is also being investigated by the national anti-corruption commission, which could lead to further legal consequences or removal from office.

What they said

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed deep concern about the issue, saying, "If you ask me whether I’m worried, I am."

This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.

Wonder Hagan [email protected]