Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra Suspended After Leaked Phone Call

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been suspended by a Thai court as they consider a petition for her removal. This decision comes as her ruling coalition faces instability after a key ally withdrew support recently.

If removed, she would be the third politician from the influential Shinawatra family to lose power prematurely in the past two decades.

The suspension follows a leaked phone call where Paetongtarn criticized a Thai military commander, leading to public outcry and a petition for her dismissal.

The Constitutional Court voted 7-2 to suspend her while they review the case, giving her 15 days to present her defense. In the interim, the deputy PM will assume leadership.

Paetongtarn remains in the cabinet as the culture minister, a position she was appointed to shortly before the suspension.

The leaked call with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen was related to a border dispute between the two countries, escalating tensions that have been ongoing since late May.

Despite facing criticism for her actions, Paetongtarn defended herself, emphasizing that her intentions were to prevent conflict and loss of life.

If ultimately removed, she would be the second prime minister from the Pheu Thai party to be ousted in less than a year.

The court's decision highlights its authority to dissolve governments, a practice that critics argue is often used to target political adversaries.

Paetongtarn, at 38, is the country's youngest leader and the second woman to hold the position of Prime Minister in Thailand.

Her approval ratings have plummeted amid economic challenges, dropping to 9.2% from 30.9% in March.

Meanwhile, her father, Thaksin Shinawatra, is facing legal issues of his own, including charges related to insulting the monarchy.

Thaksin's return to Thailand in 2023 after years in exile was part of a reconciliation effort between Pheu Thai and conservative factions, including the military and royalist groups.

According to the source: BBC.