Thailand's Prime Minister Suspended for Leaked Phone Call Investigation

Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been suspended from office by the Constitutional Court pending an ethics investigation related to a leaked phone call with a senior Cambodian leader. The court voted unanimously to take the petition accusing her of breaching ethics and decided 7 to 2 to suspend her as prime minister. Paetongtarn has 15 days to provide evidence to support her case.

She has faced criticism for her handling of a border dispute with Cambodia, which led to an armed confrontation resulting in the death of a Cambodian soldier. The leaked phone call during her diplomatic efforts over the dispute triggered complaints and protests. Paetongtarn has expressed willingness to cooperate with the process despite not wanting her work to be disrupted.

Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Jungrungruangkit is expected to become the acting prime minister following Paetongtarn's suspension, though this has not been officially confirmed. King Maha Vajiralongkorn approved a Cabinet reshuffle after a party left Paetongtarn's coalition government due to the leaked phone call.

The reshuffle saw former Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charvirakul replaced, with Paetongtarn taking on the additional role of culture minister. She aims to promote Thai culture globally, but it remains uncertain if she can continue in this position. Paetongtarn is also under investigation by the Office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission, which could result in her removal.

Previously, the Constitutional Court removed her predecessor over ethics violations. Thailand's courts, particularly the Constitutional Court, are seen as supporting the royalist establishment and have been used against political opponents. The leaked phone call sparked outrage, particularly over Paetongtarn's remarks towards a regional army commander and her efforts to appease Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen.

Conservative protesters in Bangkok have demanded Paetongtarn's resignation in light of these developments.