Critics accuse the suspended PM of undermining the military and bowing to Cambodia over recent border tensions.
Thailand’s Constitutional Court has suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra amid a growing backlash over a leaked phone call with Cambodia’s former leader Hun Sen.
In the recording, Paetongtarn referred to Hun Sen as “uncle” and criticised a Thai military commander — prompting public outrage and a formal petition for her dismissal.
The court, in a 7-2 ruling, suspended her while it reviews the petition. She has 15 days to file her defence. Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Jungrungruangkit will serve as acting leader.
Paetongtarn, 38, Thailand’s youngest and second female prime minister, faces crumbling public support — her approval dropped to 9.2% last weekend. Critics accuse her of undermining the military and bowing to Cambodia over recent border tensions.
Her suspension adds to the political woes of the Shinawatra family. Her father, Thaksin Shinawatra, is simultaneously on trial for royal defamation.
If dismissed, Paetongtarn would be the third Shinawatra to lose office prematurely.