In a tumultuous turn of events for Thai politics, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been suspended as the Constitutional Court deliberates on a petition demanding her removal, following the leak of a phone conversation considered controversial.
Thai Prime Minister Suspended Amid Controversy Over Leaked Call
Thai Prime Minister Suspended Amid Controversy Over Leaked Call
Thailand's Constitutional Court halts Paetongtarn Shinawatra's premiership as she faces mounting political pressure.
Thailand's political landscape is shaken yet again as Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, a key figure of the influential Shinawatra family, has been suspended by the Constitutional Court amid allegations stemming from a leaked phone call. The audio, which features her informally addressing former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen as "uncle," has generated significant public backlash due to her critical remarks about a Thai military commander.
The court's decision to suspend her comes after a 7-2 vote and places her in a precarious situation where she has 15 days to defend herself against the dismissal claim. This incident reflects deeper struggles within her ruling coalition, which recently lost a conservative ally, leaving it with a slender majority in Parliament.
If the court rules against her, Paetongtarn will become the third individual from the Shinawatra political dynasty to lose a significant position before concluding their term. Her current approval ratings, which have plummeted to an alarming 9.2%, further underscore the challenges she faces. She had previously explained her comments in the leaked call as mere "negotiation techniques" regarding ongoing border disputes, but critics argue that her remarks undermine Thailand’s military authority and exhibit a lack of respect towards Cambodia.
Meanwhile, Paetongtarn's father, Thaksin Shinawatra, known for his polarizing role in Thai history, is concurrently dealing with his own political challenges, including legal troubles related to his past remarks about the monarchy. Thaksin, who recently returned to Thailand after years of exile, now finds himself embroiled in a trial under the country's strict lese majeste laws.
In the interim, Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Jungrungruangkit has assumed the role of acting prime minister, marking an uncertain period in Thai governance. This development within the Shinawatra family is emblematic of the ongoing power struggles and tensions within the Thai political system.
