Opposition party Pheu Thai seeks postponement of verdict on temporarily suspended Prime Minister
In the ongoing Constitutional Court case against suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the fate of her position hangs in the balance. The case revolves around allegations of breach of ethics during a phone call with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen, which was leaked and led to accusations of compromising Thailand's interests and damaging its image.
The court proceedings, partially closed to the public, took place on August 21, 2025, with Ms Paetongtarn testifying over the allegations. The court is expected to rule soon, and if the verdict goes against her, she could join her father Thaksin and sister Yingluck in being ousted from office.
Thirty-six senators filed a court petition to remove Ms Paetongtarn from office following the June leak of the phone conversation. The suspended PM confirmed the authenticity of the conversation, describing it as a private and diplomatic exchange aimed at preserving peace and Thai sovereignty.
The Constitutional Court granted Ms Paetongtarn a final extension until Aug 4 to submit her defense. However, the Pheu Thai Party has asked for a delay in the decision, citing the current border crisis, tariff issues, and domestic problems such as drugs and the Khao Kradong land dispute in Buri Ram province.
If a negative ruling is expected in Ms Paetongtarn's case, the Pheu Thai Party's candidate Chaikasem Nitisiri will be supported to take up the prime ministership, pending feedback on his nomination. Notably, Pheu Thai list MP Cherdchai Tantisirin suggested that the court pause the case for six months and then rule once key problems are resolved.
Meanwhile, Tourism and Sports Minister and Pheu Thai Party secretary-general Sorawong Thienthong dismissed claims that Ms Paetongtarn would step down after the 2026 budget bill passes. Ms Paetongtarn attended a merit-making ceremony at Sanam Luang on Tuesday to mark Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother's birthday, but did not respond when asked about speculation that she might resign ahead of the Constitutional Court's ruling.
The extension was voted on by the Constitutional Court with a 5-4 majority. Despite the tension surrounding the case, Ms Paetongtarn has maintained a low profile, focusing on her duties as a parliamentarian and attending official events.
As the Constitutional Court prepares to deliver its verdict, the political landscape in Thailand remains uncertain. The last option, if Mr Chaikasem's nomination is not successful, is to dissolve the parliament, a move that could further complicate the situation. The court's decision will undoubtedly have significant implications for the Pheu Thai Party and Thai politics as a whole.
[1] Constitutional Court suspends Paetongtarn as PM [2] Paetongtarn Shinawatra testifies in court over phone call with Hun Sen [3] Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra faces possible ouster over phone call with Cambodian leader [4] Thai PM Paetongtarn's Constitutional Court case: What's next? [5] Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra testifies in court over phone call with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen
[1] Amidst the ongoing Constitutional Court case against suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the latest development is the suspension of her position, as the court prepares to deliver its verdict.
[2] The court proceedings, involving allegations of breach of ethics during a phone call with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen, have been followed closely, with the outcome expected to have significant implications for Thai politics and the Pheu Thai Party.
