Thai Prime Minister Suspended by Court Following Release of Controversial Phone Call with Cambodian Official
BANGKOK — Thailand’s Constitutional Court announced the suspension of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on Tuesday, pending an ethics investigation related to a leaked phone conversation with a senior Cambodian official. The court’s judges unanimously accepted a petition alleging a breach of ethics and voted 7 to 2 to suspend her from her duties as prime minister. Paetongtarn has been given a period of 15 days to provide supporting evidence for her case.
This suspension comes amid increasing public dissatisfaction over her response to a recent border dispute with Cambodia, which escalated into a violent confrontation on May 28, resulting in the death of a Cambodian soldier. The leaked phone call occurred during her diplomatic efforts with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen and triggered a wave of complaints and public protests against her administration. In response to the court order, Paetongtarn expressed her willingness to cooperate with the inquiry, emphasizing her intentions to safeguard the nation and maintain peace.
She stated, “I only thought about how to avoid troubles and prevent armed confrontation, as I wouldn’t accept any outcome that would lead to negative consequences.” Furthermore, she thanked her supporters and apologized to those upset by the leaked remarks. While Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Jungrungruangkit is poised to assume the role of acting prime minister, official confirmation has yet to be released.
Earlier on the same day, King Maha Vajiralongkorn sanctioned a Cabinet reshuffle triggered by Paetongtarn’s controversy, which resulted in the replacement of Anutin Charvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, as deputy prime minister. Paetongtarn, who has taken on the additional role of culture minister, now faces further scrutiny from the Office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission over potential ethical violations that could result in her removal. Thailand’s courts, particularly the Constitutional Court, are known for their affiliation with the royalist establishment and have a history of diminishing political opponents.