BANGKOK, August 21st, 2025 — Suspended Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra appeared at the Constitutional Court in Bangkok on Thursday to testify in a high-stakes case that could lead to her removal from office. The 39-year-old, marking her birthday, arrived at 9:30 AM accompanied by her husband, sister, and a top aide, facing allegations of ethical violations stemming from a leaked phone call with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen.
The controversy erupted over a June 15th conversation, leaked by Hun Sen, in which Paetongtarn referred to him as “uncle” and made disparaging remarks about a senior Thai army commander. Critics, including 36 senators who filed a petition, claim her comments breached constitutional ethical standards and undermined national dignity. The court suspended her from prime ministerial duties on July 1st, though she continues to serve as Minister of Culture.
Paetongtarn, daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, defends her actions as an attempt to de-escalate a tense Thai-Cambodian border dispute. She has called five expert witnesses to support her case, with testimony scheduled alongside the National Security Council’s Secretary-General. The court will hear closing arguments on August 27th and deliver its verdict on August 29th at 3:00 PM, a ruling that could deepen Thailand’s political crisis.The case, broadcast live for public transparency, coincides with other legal challenges facing the Shinawatra family, including Thaksin’s upcoming lèse-majesté verdict on August 22nd. Political analysts warn that an unfavorable ruling could trigger protests and further destabilize Thailand’s fragile political landscape)
