Thailand's Prime Minister Suspended for Leaked Phone Call Investigation

Thailand's Constitutional Court suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office on Tuesday pending an ethics investigation over a leaked phone call with a senior Cambodian leader. The judges voted unanimously to take the petition accusing her of a breach of ethics and voted to suspend her from duty as prime minister. Shinawatra 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. The leaked phone call during diplomatic efforts over the dispute triggered complaints and protests. Shinawatra, a member of a prominent political family, is the third prime minister in her family.

Following the court order, there was no immediate reaction from Shinawatra. It is expected that Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Jungrungruangkit will become the acting prime minister. King Maha Vajiralongkorn endorsed a cabinet reshuffle after a major party left Shinawatra's coalition government over the leaked phone call.

Shinawatra also faces investigations over an alleged breach of ethics by the Office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission. The Constitutional Court, known for its role in political matters, removed her predecessor over a similar issue last year. Outrage over the leaked call has led to protests demanding Shinawatra's resignation.