Bangkok: Thailand's Constitutional Court has suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from her duties following a decision to review allegations of constitutional violations. The move has cast uncertainty over the country's political landscape.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the suspension stems from a petition filed by over 30 senators questioning whether Paetongtarn breached the constitution on ethical grounds. The petition followed the leak of a phone call recording between Paetongtarn and Hun Sen, president of the Cambodian Senate. In the conversation, Paetongtarn sought Hun Sen's assistance in alleviating tensions over a Thai-Cambodian border clash. Hun Sen confirmed the call's authenticity, suggesting that it was leaked by someone opposed to the Thai Prime Minister.
Paetongtarn apologized publicly, emphasizing the private nature of the conversation and her intent to de-escalate tensions through personal connections. Her family's long-standing relationship with Hun Sen was cited in her defense. Despite her explanation, the incident sparked political backlash, leading the Bhumjaithai Party to withdraw from the ruling coalition, calling for Paetongtarn to take responsibility for the nation's perceived loss of dignity.
The main opposition, the People's Party, has demanded the dissolution of parliament for new elections. A large protest in Bangkok on June 28 echoed these sentiments, calling for Paetongtarn's removal.
The Constitutional Court's decision to suspend Paetongtarn was unanimous, with seven of the nine judges voting in favor of her suspension while the case is under review. The court has requested Paetongtarn to provide an explanation within 15 days. Paetongtarn has accepted the court's decision and expressed her determination to prove her innocence.
The suspension adds to the political uncertainty in Thailand, particularly as a royal command approved a cabinet reshuffle proposed by Paetongtarn to fill vacancies left by Bhumjaithai ministers. Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit is now serving as acting prime minister, with full powers to prevent administrative deadlock.
In the reshuffle, Paetongtarn was appointed as minister of culture, a move some analysts speculate was designed to maintain her involvement in cabinet meetings during her suspension. However, Paetongtarn stated her intention is to enhance Thailand's cultural influence.
The ruling coalition's stability is in question following Bhumjaithai's exit, leaving it with a slim majority. The party has announced plans for a censure debate against Paetongtarn's government. Meanwhile, Paetongtarn could face further legal challenges regarding the leaked call, with her father, Thaksin Shinawatra, also implicated in separate legal cases.