Post by : Raman

Thailand is again facing a big political test. On Thursday, August 21, suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra appeared in court to defend herself in a case that could remove her from office. The case is linked to a leaked phone call with Hun Sen, the former leader of Cambodia, which many in Thailand believe showed weakness in defending the country’s interests.

Who is Paetongtarn Shinawatra?

Paetongtarn is the daughter of Thaksin Shinawatra, a former prime minister and billionaire businessman who still has strong influence in Thai politics. Her family has a long history in leadership but also in conflict with Thailand’s conservative and military powers. Both her father Thaksin and her aunt Yingluck were removed from power in military coups.

What is the Case About?

The Constitutional Court of Thailand suspended Paetongtarn last month. The judges want to decide if she should be permanently removed from her role. The court will give its final decision on Friday, August 29.

The case started after a phone call in June between Paetongtarn and Hun Sen was leaked online. In the call, Paetongtarn called Hun Sen “uncle” and described a top Thai military commander as her “opponent.” Many people in Thailand saw this as disrespectful to the army, which is one of the most powerful institutions in the country.

This angered conservative lawmakers, who accused her of bowing to Cambodia and not protecting Thailand’s dignity. Her main coalition partner even left the government in protest, which almost caused her administration to collapse.

Why Does This Matter?

The court case is about more than just one phone call. It is about the deep struggle in Thailand between two groups:

• The conservative elite, pro-military, and pro-royalist side

• The Shinawatra family and their supporters, who are popular with many ordinary people

For the last 20 years, this fight has shaped almost every part of Thai politics. If the court removes Paetongtarn, she will become the third member of her family to be forced out as prime minister.

What Happened After the Call?

The leaked call not only shook Thai politics but also hurt relations with Cambodia. In June, tensions over the border dispute grew into the worst clashes in decades. Fighting between Thai and Cambodian troops killed more than 40 people and forced over 300,000 civilians to leave their homes.

Hun Sen himself released the full recording of the call online, which increased the anger inside Thailand. Many felt that their leader had been too soft while the nation’s soldiers were risking their lives on the border.

What Happens Next?

On August 29, the Constitutional Court will decide Paetongtarn’s future. If the judges rule against her, she will lose her position as prime minister permanently. This could lead to new political unrest and another period of instability in Thailand.

For now, Paetongtarn remains suspended. On her 39th birthday, she arrived at court wearing a black business suit, smiling at reporters but facing one of the hardest moments of her career.

Thailand is standing at a turning point. The decision on Paetongtarn Shinawatra will not only decide the future of one leader but will also show which side holds power in the country’s long struggle between the military-backed establishment and the Shinawatra political family.

If removed, Paetongtarn will join her father and aunt in a long line of Shinawatras who tried to lead Thailand but were pushed out before completing their term.

For the Thai people, the case is a reminder that their nation’s politics are still unstable, and the road to peace and unity remains uncertain.

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