Thailand’s Constitutional Court has suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra over a leaked phone conversation with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen. The audio clip sparked public outrage and a petition for her dismissal, which the court is now considering.
Paetongtarn’s suspension makes her the third politician in the powerful Shinawatra clan to lose power before completing their term. Her ruling coalition already faces a slim majority after a key conservative ally abandoned it two weeks ago.
The court voted 7-2 to suspend her while she has 15 days to present her defence. Deputy PM will serve as acting leader during this period. Paetongtarn will remain in the cabinet as culture minister, a new appointment following a cabinet reshuffle.
The leaked audio call angered conservative lawmakers who accused Paetongtarn of appeasing Hun Sen and undermining Thailand’s military. However, she defended herself, saying her intention was to avoid chaos and fighting to protect lives.
If suspended, Paetongtarn will be the second PM from Pheu Thai party to be removed from premiership since August last year. The Constitutional Court has dissolved 34 parties since 2006, raising concerns about its power to unmake governments.
Thailand’s economy is already struggling, with Paetongtarn’s approval rating falling to 9.2% last weekend. Her father, Thaksin Shinawatra, faces his own political troubles as he battles charges of insulting the monarchy over an interview nine years ago.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9vrrj72xy7o