Thailand’s Constitutional Court has suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office as it investigates a leaked phone call involving a senior Cambodian official. The decision was reached unanimously by the judges, who considered allegations that she breached ethical standards and voted 7-2 to suspend her duties. Shinawatra is required to provide evidence to defend her position within the next 15 days.
Her suspension comes amid public dissatisfaction regarding her handling of a recent border dispute with Cambodia, which escalated into violence on May 28, resulting in the death of a Cambodian soldier. The leaked conversation, which occurred during diplomatic discussions, has sparked complaints and protests against her leadership.
Shinawatra, the daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was deposed in a 2006 coup, is a central figure in Thailand’s political landscape, continuing a legacy of political influence through her family. Her aunt, Yingluck Shinawatra, was also ousted as prime minister by a court ruling in 2014. Although there has been no immediate reaction from her regarding the court’s decision, she acknowledged that she intended to comply with the judicial process despite her reluctance to have her work disrupted.
As she steps aside, Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Jungrungruangkit is expected to assume the role of acting prime minister until further developments occur. This decision comes on the same day that King Maha Vajiralongkorn endorsed a cabinet reshuffle prompted by the fallout from the leaked call, which led a key party to exit her coalition government.
Shinawatra has taken on the role of culture minister alongside her position as prime minister in the new cabinet, where she expressed her ambition to promote Thai culture globally. However, uncertainties surround her ability to fulfill this role moving forward, especially with ongoing investigations into potential ethical breaches by the National Anti-Corruption Commission that could lead to further ramifications for her political career.
The Constitutional Court’s actions are particularly noteworthy, as it has a history of political involvement, often perceived as reinforcing the royalist establishment’s influence over power dynamics in Thailand. Criticism of Shinawatra intensified following the leaked call, where her remarks to a Cambodian military leader were seen as attempts to placate authorities to prevent escalation in border tensions. Consequently, large groups of nationalist protesters gathered in Bangkok, demanding her resignation, illustrating the heightened public sentiment against her leadership.