Thailand PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra Suspended Over Leaked Phone Call

Thailand’s Constitutional Court suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office pending an ethics investigation over a leaked phone call with a senior Cambodian leader. The court voted unanimously to take the petition accusing her of a breach of ethics and suspended her from duty as prime minister. Paetongtarn has 15 days to provide evidence to support her case.

She has faced dissatisfaction over her handling of a border dispute with Cambodia, which led to an armed confrontation and a leaked phone call with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen. This sparked complaints and protests. After the court order, Paetongtarn stated she would defend herself to protect the country and maintain peace. She thanked supporters and apologized for upsetting people over the call.

Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Jungrungruangkit is expected to become acting prime minister. King Maha Vajiralongkorn endorsed a Cabinet reshuffle due to a party leaving the coalition over the leaked call. Paetongtarn took the position of culture minister in the new Cabinet.

Outrage focused on Paetongtarn’s comments toward an army commander and her attempts to ease tensions with Hun Sen. Thousands protested in Bangkok demanding her resignation. She also faces an investigation by the National Anti-Corruption Commission over ethics violations.

The Constitutional Court's actions against political figures are seen as part of the royalist establishment's influence in Thai politics.