Key Facts
• July 1, 2025: Thai Constitutional Court suspends Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
• Suspension linked to handling of Thai-Cambodian border dispute and leaked phone call.
• Leaked audio revealed conciliatory tone toward Cambodia, sparking domestic backlash.
• May 2025: Border clash killed one Cambodian soldier, escalating tensions.
• June 28, 2025: 20,000 protestors in Bangkok demand Paetongtarn’s resignation.
• Coalition party “Pride of Thailand” exits government after audio leak.
• June 29, 2025: Poll shows Paetongtarn’s approval drops to 9.2%, down 22 points since March.
• July 1, 2025: King approves cabinet reshuffle; Paetongtarn retains cultural minister role.
• Deputy Prime Minister to act as interim leader during suspension.
• Thai-Cambodian border dispute worsens with closed checkpoints and restricted movement.
Summary
The Thai Constitutional Court has suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra over her handling of a border dispute with Cambodia. A leaked phone call, revealing a conciliatory stance toward Cambodia and criticism of Thailand’s military, triggered domestic outrage. The fallout led to the withdrawal of the “Pride of Thailand” party from the coalition, a cabinet reshuffle, and a sharp decline in Paetongtarn’s approval rating to 9.2%. The border conflict, which escalated in May with a fatal clash, has further strained relations, with both nations closing checkpoints. Amid political turmoil, the deputy prime minister will serve as acting leader, while Paetongtarn remains in the cabinet as cultural minister. Protests demanding her resignation continue to grow, signaling potential for further instability.
