Bangkok, Aug 22 (V7N) – Thailand’s suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra appeared before the Constitutional Court to defend her actions amid allegations that a leaked phone call with Cambodia’s ex-leader weakened Thailand’s position in a border crisis.
 
Paetongtarn Shinawatra, daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, testified Thursday in the Constitutional Court regarding whether she should be permanently removed from office due to a controversial phone call with Cambodia’s Hun Sen.
 
The June 15 conversation addressed escalating border tensions between the two countries. In the call, Paetongtarn referred to Hun Sen as “uncle” and criticized a Thai general overseeing border forces—remarks that critics say undermined Thailand’s national interest. The call became public after Hun Sen leaked an audio recording, inciting national backlash.
 
The leak occurred shortly before a serious flare-up of border hostilities in late July. The clashes involved artillery fire, aerial strikes, and ground skirmishes, resulting in civilian and military casualties and over 260,000 displaced.
 
In response to public outcry, the Constitutional Court suspended Paetongtarn from office on July 1 after accepting a petition from 36 senators that accused her of ethical misconduct and dishonesty. The court voted 7–2 to freeze her duties pending the outcome of the case.
 
During the hearing, which took place on the eve of her 39th birthday, she defended her remarks as strategic negotiation rather than a betrayal of Thailand’s interests. The court has barred public reporting on the specifics of her testimony.
 
The verdict, which could permanently remove her from the premiership, is expected on Friday.
 
END/WD/SMA/