Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been suspended after a leaked phone call with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen ignited political controversy, NaijNaira can report.
The suspension follows a petition filed at Thailand’s Constitutional Court, BBC News reported.
In the leaked clip, Paetongtarn referred to Hun Sen as “uncle” and criticized a top Thai military commander.
Her words drew backlash, with critics accusing her of weakening the country’s position in regional matters.
“This was just a negotiation technique,” she said during a public apology.
Despite her explanation, opposition lawmakers claim she compromised Thailand’s sovereignty.
The court voted 7-2 to suspend her while the petition is under review.
She now has 15 days to submit a formal defense.
Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Jungrungruangkit has stepped in as acting leader.
The timing adds pressure to an already fragile coalition after a key ally withdrew support.
Paetongtarn could become the third Shinawatra to lose power before completing a term.
Her father, Thaksin Shinawatra, and her aunt, Yingluck Shinawatra, were both removed from office.
Thaksin is also facing legal issues of his own, accused of lese majeste over a 2015 interview.
The 38-year-old Paetongtarn is Thailand’s youngest prime minister and only the second woman to lead the country.
Her approval rating recently plunged to 9.2%, down sharply from 30.9% in March.
Critics argue the call showed poor judgment at a time of sensitive border tensions.
Supporters, however, view the suspension as politically motivated.
Paetongtarn’s fate now hinges on the court’s next move in the coming weeks.
Article updated 3 weeks ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
