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PM suspended over leaked call. Public demonstrations follow. Deputy PM may step in.

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Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra Suspended Amid Ethics Probe

Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra faces suspension due to leaked call and ethics investigation, amid public protests and reshuffle.

Updated: Sep 02, 2022 10:53

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Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra Suspended Amid Ethics Probe

Bangkok, Jul 1 (AP) — Thailand's Constitutional Court has suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office while an ethics investigation is conducted regarding a leaked phone conversation with a high-ranking Cambodian official.

The court's judges unanimously agreed to consider the petition accusing Paetongtarn of ethical misconduct, and voted 7-2 to suspend her from her role as prime minister. Paetongtarn has 15 days to present evidence in her defense.

Paetongtarn has been facing criticism for her management of the recent border dispute with Cambodia, which involved an armed clash on May 28 that resulted in the death of a Cambodian soldier. The leaked phone call with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen has led to various complaints and public demonstrations.

In response to the court's decision, Paetongtarn stated that she respects the legal process and intends to defend herself, emphasizing her only aim was to protect the nation and maintain peace.

"My focus was solely on how to prevent troubles and avoid armed confrontation, ensuring no harm came to the soldiers. It would be unacceptable to me if my discussions with the other leader led to any negative outcomes," she remarked.

She expressed gratitude to her supporters and apologized to those upset by the leaked call.

Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Jungrungruangkit is anticipated to serve as the acting prime minister, though no official statement has been made.

Earlier on Tuesday, King Maha Vajiralongkorn approved a Cabinet reshuffle necessitated by a major party's exit from Paetongtarn's coalition, attributed to the leaked call. This reshuffle involved replacing Anutin Charvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, in the role of deputy prime minister.

In the new Cabinet, Paetongtarn was appointed as culture minister in addition to being the prime minister, though it's uncertain if she will be able to take the oath for this position.

The controversy over the call largely centered on Paetongtarn's remarks about a prominent regional army commander and efforts to mollify Hun Sen to reduce border tensions.

Thousands of nationalist protesters rallied in Bangkok over the weekend to call for Paetongtarn's resignation.

Paetongtarn also faces scrutiny from the Office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission for another alleged ethics violation, which could result in her removal.

Last year, the Constitutional Court ousted her predecessor for breaching ethics. Thailand's judiciary, particularly the Constitutional Court, is seen as a bastion of the royalist establishment and has often utilized legal mechanisms to undermine political adversaries. (AP)

(Only the headline of this report may have been reworked by Editorji; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

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