Court Suspends Thailand's PM After Leaked Call
(MENAFN) Thailand's Constitutional Court has temporarily suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra following the revelation of a leaked phone call connected to a border dispute with Cambodia, according to media.
The court moved forward with charges against Paetongtarn, accepting the case for deliberation after a complaint was filed by a group of 36 senators. The charges accuse her of "gross ethical misconduct and dishonesty" related to her phone conversation with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen.
The leaked audio reportedly features Paetongtarn criticizing Thailand's military leadership, specifically targeting the commander of the 2nd Army Region, amid escalating tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border.
This suspension comes just hours after King Maha Vajiralongkorn approved a Cabinet reshuffle, triggered by the departure of a major party from the ruling coalition.
At 38 years old, Paetongtarn, daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, was elected last August as Thailand's youngest and only second female prime minister.
Two of the nine justices voted against her suspension.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit will temporarily step in as acting prime minister until the royal confirmation of Phumtham Wechayachai's new role as deputy prime minister and interior minister, expected Thursday.
Although Paetongtarn was designated as culture minister in the Cabinet overhaul, it remains uncertain whether the court’s suspension will affect her new appointment.
The reshuffle became necessary after the Bhumjaithai Party, the second-largest partner in the previous coalition government, withdrew its support last month.
Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have been high since May 28, when clashes between troops near the border resulted in the death of a Cambodian soldier. Following the incident, both countries closed their borders.
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