BANGKOK (Thailand) — Thailand’s Constitutional Court has suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra over alleged ethical violations linked to a leaked phone call with Cambodia’s former leader, Hun Sen. The decision has plunged the country into fresh political turmoil.
Suspension Follows Senator Petition
On Tuesday, the Constitutional Court unanimously accepted a petition filed by 36 senators. They accused Paetongtarn of dishonesty and breaching ethical standards under the Thai constitution.
Seven out of nine judges voted to temporarily suspend her from prime ministerial duties pending a full investigation.
“The court sees a need to prevent possible serious and irreversible damage,” the court said in its statement.
Leaked Call Sparks Controversy
The controversy centers on a June 15 phone call between Paetongtarn and Hun Sen, Cambodia’s former prime minister and current Senate president. The call aimed to ease border tensions following a military clash in late May.
During the conversation, Paetongtarn called Hun Sen ‘uncle’ and criticized a Thai military commander. In a nation where the military holds immense influence, her remarks triggered backlash.
Hun Sen later confirmed the authenticity of the recording, saying it was shared with senior Cambodian officials for transparency. He suggested the leak came from someone who dislikes the Thai premier.
Bhumjaithai Quits Coalition Government
The fallout was swift. The Bhumjaithai Party, the second-largest in the ruling coalition, withdrew from the government, citing national disgrace.
“She has made Thailand lose its dignity, honor, and respect,” the party said in its resignation statement.
The move leaves Paetongtarn’s Pheu Thai Party with a razor-thin majority. Opposition parties have called for her resignation and a fresh election.
Caretaker PM Appointed
Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit is now acting prime minister. He has full authority to manage government affairs, including the power to dissolve parliament. Minister Chusak Sirinil said, “Suriya is empowered to prevent any administrative vacuum.”
Paetongtarn Remains in Cabinet
Despite the suspension, Paetongtarn will stay in the cabinet as Minister of Culture, a role she received during a cabinet reshuffle approved hours before her suspension. Some critics allege this was a strategy to keep her politically active during the court proceedings. Paetongtarn denied the claim, saying, “I want to promote Thailand’s soft power through culture.”
PM Responds to Suspension
Paetongtarn, 38, accepted the court’s decision and pledged to defend herself. “I had no malicious intent. My words were aimed at easing tensions,” she said. She has 15 days to submit her explanation to the court.
What’s Next?
The court did not announce a timeline for its final ruling. However, political pressure is building. A major protest on June 28 demanded her removal. Bhumjaithai plans to push for a no-confidence vote once parliament reconvenes.
This is Thailand’s second leadership shake-up in under a year. Paetongtarn replaced former PM Srettha Thavisin, who was also ousted by the court for an ethical breach.
Key Takeaways
Paetongtarn Shinawatra suspended as Thai Prime Minister.
Court investigating leaked call with Cambodia’s Hun Sen.
Bhumjaithai quits ruling coalition, weakening government majority.
Deputy PM Suriya Juangroongruangkit becomes acting prime minister.
Paetongtarn retains cabinet post as Culture Minister.
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