Thai PM suspended over leaked phone call with Cambodian politician

Thailand's prime minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, has been suspended following a leaked phone call with a senior Cambodian politician that caused public outrage. An ethics investigation is ongoing, and there is a possibility of her being dismissed.

The country's constitutional court, responding to a petition from 36 senators alleging dishonesty and a breach of ethical standards, voted 7 to 2 in favor of suspending her. The phone call with Cambodia's former leader, Hun Sen, led to protests as she tried to appease him and criticized a Thai army commander, a move considered taboo in a country where the military holds significant influence.

Ms. Shinawatra was attempting to ease tensions at the border, which had escalated in May resulting in the death of a Cambodian soldier. Conservative nationalist protesters in Bangkok demanded her resignation during a demonstration over the weekend. Her party is facing challenges after another group withdrew from their alliance following the phone call, and calls for a no-confidence vote are expected.

Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit will serve temporarily while the court investigates the case. The 38-year-old prime minister, Thailand's youngest ever leader, has 15 days to respond to the probe. She has apologized, stating that her approach in the call was a negotiating tactic.

The government's popularity has declined recently, with an approval rating of 9.2% compared to 30.9% in March. Ms. Shinawatra hails from a prominent political family, with her father Thaksin Shinawatra and aunt Yingluck Shinawatra previously serving as prime ministers, their terms ending amidst corruption charges and military coups.

According to the source: Sky News.