Thailand’s political landscape has been jolted once again. In a dramatic development, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been temporarily suspended from office by the Constitutional Court, less than a year into her tenure. 

The decision comes as the court deliberates a petition filed by a group of senators, who accuse Paetongtarn of violating ethical standards — specifically over comments made in a leaked phone call with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen. 

Now, her leadership hangs in the balance amid mounting legal pressure and political tension.

As the court begins its review, key questions remain: How will this suspension reshape Thailand’s political calculus? Is this a big blow to her less-than-a-year old government?

On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Purawich Watanasukh, Lecturer, Faculty of Political Science, Thammasat University, to find out more.