On Tuesday, Thailand’s Constitutional Court suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra—an advocate for developing casino resorts in the country—while an ethics probe is underway.
The relatively new leader, who has held office for less than a year, is facing backlash for allegedly prioritizing Cambodian strongman Hun Sen’s interests over those of her own military.
Border Clash Ignites Political Firestorm
The controversy began in May, when troops from Thailand and Cambodia engaged in a deadly clash along a contested stretch of the border near the Emerald Triangle. A Cambodian soldier was killed during the incident.
Tensions escalated further after a leaked 17-minute phone call from June 15 surfaced, in which Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra was heard criticizing a Thai army commander’s handling of the skirmish. She claimed the officer “just wants to look cool” and warned that his remarks were “not beneficial to the nation.”
In the same conversation with Cambodia’s former prime minister Hun Sen—whom she referred to as “uncle”—Paetongtarn stressed her desire for peace and said, “If you want anything, just tell me, and I’ll take care of it.”
The call triggered widespread outrage across Thailand. Thousands of protestors gathered at Government House in Bangkok, calling for her resignation. According to the Bangkok Post, her approval rating plummeted to just 9.2%.
While Paetongtarn issued an apology, she defended the call as a form of “negotiation tactic” and described it as “political theatre,” not a betrayal of national interests.
If removed from office, the 38-year-old would become the fifth Thai prime minister in 16 years to leave under pressure—following a path once taken by her father, Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in a 2006 coup.
Casino Legislation Put on Hold Amid Political Turmoil
Thailand’s sweeping Entertainment Complex Bill, which would legalize up to five integrated casino resorts across the country, is now in limbo as political uncertainty clouds its future. The bill has been championed by suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who is currently under investigation by the Constitutional Court.
The proposed legislation aims to open casinos in high-tourism zones like Chiang Mai, Phuket, Chonburi, and Bangkok. The plan has already attracted the attention of international gaming giants—including Galaxy Entertainment Group, Melco Resorts & Entertainment, and MGM Resorts International, all of which currently operate in Macau.
Despite the economic appeal, the bill faces pushback. Opponents warn it could increase organized crime, gambling addiction, and social harm. In June, nearly 54,000 Thai citizens signed a petition urging the Election Commission to conduct a public referendum before moving forward.
Now, with Paetongtarn’s political future in doubt—and Thailand grappling with broader issues like looming U.S. tariffs—momentum behind the casino bill has stalled. A July 3 parliamentary debate on the measure has already been postponed by at least a month.
Adding to the headwinds, Cambodia’s Hun Sen, once seemingly allied with Paetongtarn, publicly hinted at supporting a change in leadership. In a June 27 address, he stated, “I hope there will be a new prime minister in Thailand who will come out and solve issues with neighbouring countries, especially with Cambodia.”
In short, the vision of legal casino resorts reshaping Thailand’s tourism and entertainment landscape now faces an uncertain path forward.
