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 10 hours ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
