🇹🇭 Thailand PM Suspended Over Leaked Audio

By Andrew Haruna

Thailand’s Constitutional Court has suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office pending an ethics probe tied to a controversial phone conversation with Cambodia’s former leader, Hun Sen, The Bureau Newspaper reports.

The suspension, announced on Monday, follows the court’s acceptance of a petition filed by 36 senators who accused the prime minister of dishonesty and violating ethical standards laid out in Thailand’s constitution. The case revolves around a June 15 phone call between Paetongtarn and Hun Sen, reportedly aimed at diffusing mounting tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border.

“The court has received sufficient evidence to justify the temporary suspension of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra while the investigation proceeds,” the court’s statement read.

In the interim, Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit has been appointed as the caretaker prime minister. Paetongtarn now has 15 days to respond to the allegations.

Despite her suspension, Paetongtarn remains in the cabinet following a recent reshuffle in which she was appointed Thailand’s new Minister of Culture.

The case adds to the ongoing challenges faced by the influential Shinawatra family, whose members—including former Prime Ministers Thaksin and Yingluck—have frequently faced legal and political pushback despite remaining influential players in Thai politics.

The post 🇹🇭 Thailand PM Suspended Over Leaked Audio appeared first on The Bureau Newspaper.