Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been temporarily suspended from her duties following a decision by Thailand’s Constitutional Court to accept a petition submitted by a group of senators, according to a report by Prachatai English. The court’s ruling comes in the wake of a leaked audio recording allegedly featuring a private conversation between Paetongtarn and former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen.

In the court session held on Tuesday, July 1, seven out of nine judges voted in favour of suspending the prime minister while the case is under investigation. Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit has been appointed as Acting Prime Minister in the interim.

The petition against Paetongtarn alleges that she has breached ministerial ethics. Her suspension also coincides with rising tensions over an unresolved border issue with Cambodia, which has led to temporary closures of certain border crossings and disruptions in the movement of people and goods. When questioned recently about the matter, Paetongtarn admitted feeling anxious, saying, “If you are asking if I am worried, I am.”

From the Cambodian side, the government has responded cautiously. Speaking to Kiripost, government spokesperson Pen Bona emphasised that the issue is an internal Thai affair. “This is not a matter involving Cambodia,” he said. “Cambodia respects the internal political processes of its neighbour.”

When asked whether the leadership change in Thailand could affect ongoing bilateral discussions, including those on border demarcation and trade, Pen Bona reaffirmed Cambodia’s stance on continuity and cooperation.

“Cambodia will continue to engage with Thailand regardless of political changes. We remain committed to maintaining constructive relations and resolving shared challenges through dialogue,” he added.