Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra Suspended Amid Controversy

Bangkok, July 1 (AP) – Thailand's Constitutional Court has suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from her post, as an investigation is launched following a leaked phone call with a former Cambodian leader.

The judges unanimously agreed on Tuesday to proceed with the petition accusing Paetongtarn of ethical misconduct, and by a vote of 7 to 2, they decided to suspend her from her duties.

Paetongtarn has been facing increasing dissatisfaction due to her handling of a recent border dispute with Cambodia, which resulted in an armed clash on May 28, resulting in the death of a Cambodian soldier. The leaked phone call, made during diplomatic efforts concerning the border issue, sparked complaints and public protests.

On Monday, Paetongtarn expressed her intention to comply with the court process, despite concerns about an interruption to her work. "If you ask me whether I'm worried, I am," she told reporters.

Earlier on Tuesday, King Maha Vajiralongkorn approved a Cabinet reshuffle, prompted by the departure of a major party from Paetongtarn's coalition government due to the leaked call.

The reshuffle involved replacing former Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, who had occupied various Cabinet roles within her government.

Paetongtarn is also subject to investigations by the Office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission for an alleged violation of ethics, which could potentially lead to her removal from office.

The leaked call sparked outrage mainly due to Paetongtarn's remarks about an outspoken regional army commander and her perceived attempts to pacify Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen to alleviate border tensions.

Last Saturday, thousands of conservative, nationalist-leaning protesters gathered in central Bangkok, demanding Paetongtarn's resignation.

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