In This Article

  • Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra Suspended Amid Leaked Call Controversy
  • Leaked Phone Call Sparks Public Outrage and Political Backlash
  • Court Suspends PM; Deputy Takes Over Amid Coalition Instability
  • Shinawatra Family’s Political Future in Jeopardy
  • Economic and Political Challenges Intensify for Embattled PM

Key Takeaways

  • Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been temporarily suspended by the Constitutional Court pending a review of a petition for her removal linked to a leaked call with Cambodia's former leader Hun Sen.
  • The leaked conversation, where Shinawatra criticized a Thai military commander and addressed Hun Sen as 'uncle,' sparked public outrage and accusations of undermining national interests.
  • Shinawatra's suspension follows her ruling coalition's instability after losing a key ally, leaving the government with a fragile parliamentary majority.
  • If removed, Shinawatra would be the third member of her family to exit power prematurely, highlighting ongoing tensions between the Shinawatra dynasty and Thailand's conservative establishment.
  • The court's decision coincides with legal troubles for her father, Thaksin Shinawatra, who faces trial for alleged monarchy insults, further destabilizing the family's political influence.

Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been temporarily suspended from her duties as the country's Constitutional Court reviews a petition seeking her removal. The decision comes in the wake of a leaked phone call between Shinawatra and former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, which has sparked widespread public outrage.

In the controversial conversation, Shinawatra referred to Hun Sen as "uncle" and criticized a Thai military commander, drawing sharp criticism from conservative lawmakers and the public. The court voted 7-2 to suspend her while they deliberate on the case, giving her 15 days to present her defense. During this period, Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Jungrungruangkit will assume the role of acting leader.

If removed, Shinawatra would become the third member of the influential Shinawatra family to lose power prematurely in the past two decades. Her ruling coalition is already facing instability after a key ally withdrew support two weeks ago, leaving the government with a fragile majority.

Shinawatra, 38, is Thailand's youngest prime minister and only the second woman to hold the position. Her approval ratings have plummeted to 9.2%, down from 30.9% in March, as she struggles to address economic challenges. She has apologized for the leaked call, describing her remarks as a "negotiation technique" amid ongoing border disputes with Cambodia. However, critics have accused her of undermining Thailand's military and capitulating to its neighbor.

The court's decision coincides with legal troubles faced by her father, Thaksin Shinawatra, a former prime minister and influential political figure. Thaksin is currently on trial for allegedly insulting the monarchy in a 2015 interview with a South Korean newspaper. His return to Thailand in 2023 after 15 years in exile marked a significant political compromise between the Pheu Thai party and its conservative rivals, including the military and royalist factions.

Paetongtarn's suspension raises questions about the future of the Shinawatra family's political dynasty, which has dominated Thai politics for decades but has repeatedly faced challenges from conservative forces. The outcome of the court's decision could have far-reaching implications for Thailand's political landscape and its efforts to stabilize the economy.

Tags:

#Thailand #Paetongtarn Shinawatra #Constitutional Court #political scandal #Southeast Asia