File photo for reference only

 

Today, a political storm has erupted in Thailand as over a third of the Senate filed a motion to impeach Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. This unprecedented move follows an exposed phone call with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen, wherein Paetongtarn's conduct has been sharply criticised for allegedly being overly submissive—jeopardising Thailand's national interests.

 

The audio clip has sparked major controversy, revealing a 17-minute conversation in which Paetongtarn, the daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, referred to Hun Sen as "uncle." She reportedly asked him candidly how she might fulfil his expectations, a gesture many see as undermining Thai sovereignty.

 

Critics argue that during the call, Paetongtarn's manner reflected poorly on her capability to manage sensitive issues like the ongoing border tensions with Cambodia. Her comment labelling Thailand’s Second Army Area commander, Lt. Gen. Boonsin Padklang, as "one of those on the opposite side" has further inflamed the situation, drawing widespread ire.

 

The push to impeach the prime minister was spearheaded by Senate Committee on Defence Affairs Chair, Sawat Tassana. The motion is now headed to the Constitutional Court, seeking her immediate suspension and ultimate removal from office. Senators claim Paetongtarn has betrayed public trust, with many questioning her suitability to continue as head of the Pheu Thai-led coalition government.

 

The scandal has magnified family ties between the Shinawatras and the Cambodian leadership. Notably, Hun Sen was the first to visit Thaksin in Bangkok after his contentious release from a hospital sentence, raising eyebrows over potential conflicts of interest.

 

In response to the escalating crisis, Paetongtarn held a press conference at Government House. She apologised to the Thai people for any loss of confidence in her leadership due to the call’s revelations. Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, she pledged to carefully consider her language in future diplomatic interactions.

 

Public opinion is sharply divided. Some critics demand her immediate resignation, while others suggest dissolving the House of Representatives to pave the way for a general election, as provided by law.

 

Further complicating the matter, the Bhumjaithai Party, led in practice by Newin Chidchob, has withdrawn from the Pheu Thai-led government, citing the call's content as a catalyst. This departure exacerbates the coalition’s instability and intensifies the pressure on Paetongtarn.

 

As events unfold, Thailand watches closely. The outcome could lead to either the prime minister’s suspension or a broader shake-up in the nation's political landscape, potentially setting the stage for a swift and volatile electoral process.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai Newsroom 2025-06-19

 

 

she should be removed ASAP as she was not democratically elected by the people of Thailand the mafia elected her/put her in there

 

She has no back ground in politics, no knowledge, no personality, no posture to be a leader, she looks like a kid playing big people's games, we all know she papa's puppet but even so she should go

Thaksin has been very quiet. That's unusual for him. 

17 minutes ago, Mavideol said:

she should be removed ASAP as she was not democratically elected by the people of Thailand the mafia elected her/put her in there

 

She has no back ground in politics, no knowledge, no personality, no posture to be a leader, she looks like a kid playing big people's games, we all know she papa's puppet but even so she should go

Other than the united states where is still a democratically elected leader?

2 minutes ago, chickenslegs said:

Thaksin has been very quiet. That's unusual for him. 

 

I heard he has a sore neck.

The only thing that matters is the Shinawatra clan and the PM doesn't care about anything else.... New elections asap

Any of the grand-children old enough to be sworn in yet ?

17 minutes ago, mancub said:

Any of the grand-children old enough to be sworn in yet ?

 

Lol....Good one....

 

Tonys lacky son has not had a go at PM yet.....Throw a new suit on him and he will do fine...

Anutin's senators corruptly inserted into the Senate via a joke of a "senate election" for just such an occasion.

2 hours ago, hotsun said:

Other than the united states where is still a democratically elected leader?

Such satirical humor!

2 hours ago, hotsun said:

Other than the united states where is still a democratically elected leader?

Russia?

3 minutes ago, chickenslegs said:

Russia?

Er actually he got in by murdering the opposition.......

 

vote wise !

Thailand  can do so much better than this

 

The Shins are the most corrupt family in Thailand  - beyond any doubt,  this f### avoided  jail, how the thai people put up with this s### is beyond me

 

 

 

 

 

 

19 hours ago, hotsun said:

Other than the united states where is still a democratically elected leader?

which united states are u talking about

So in Thailand you can't make a call from fear of getting sacked pathetic childish arrogance. Grow a backbone sort your country out 1st before you look at others.

1 hour ago, smedly said:

Thailand  can do so much better than this

 

The Shins are the most corrupt family in Thailand  - beyond any doubt,  this f### avoided  jail, how the thai people put up with this s### is beyond me

 

 

 

 

 

 

they put up with it because they don’t know any better!

 

Mark.

It's a shame that Pita isn't the Prime Minister as he rightfully should've been. All this circus wouldn't of happen in the first place. Thailand truly deserve better.