Thailand’s Constitutional Court has suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra while it deliberates on a petition for her dismissal stemming from a leaked phone call that has ignited public outrage. The court, which voted 7-2 in favor of the suspension, has given Paetongtarn 15 days to mount her defense against the allegations. This incident marks a significant moment in Thai politics, as Paetongtarn becomes the third member of the influential Shinawatra family to face political upheaval.
Thai Prime Minister Suspended Amid Political Turmoil
Thai Prime Minister Suspended Amid Political Turmoil
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra faces suspension as controversy over leaked phone call escalates, highlighting instability in the ruling coalition.
The controversial phone conversation with former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen saw Paetongtarn referring to him as "uncle" while criticizing a Thai military commander, drawing charges of disloyalty from her political opponents. With her ruling coalition in a precarious position following the departure of a conservative ally, this complication threatens the stability of her term.
Currently, deputy Prime Minister Suriya Jungrungruangkit will assume the role of acting prime minister. If Paetongtarn is ultimately dismissed, it will follow the ousting of her predecessor Srettha Thavisin last August for appointing a former lawyer with a controversial history to his cabinet.
Paetongtarn, the youngest leader in Thailand's history at 38 years of age and the second woman to hold the premiership, has seen her popularity plummet, with her approval ratings dipping to 9.2% from 30.9% earlier this year. Although she has apologized for her remarks, claiming they reflected a negotiation tactic over border disputes, conservative lawmakers accuse her of compromising Thailand’s military authority.
Adding to the political tumult, Paetongtarn's father, Thaksin Shinawatra, faces his own legal troubles, currently battling charges related to an old interview, which underlines the turbulent legacy of the Shinawatra family in Thai politics. His return to Thailand in 2023, after a long exile, was a pivotal moment negotiated between Pheu Thai and various conservative factions, marking a significant shift in the political landscape.
Currently, deputy Prime Minister Suriya Jungrungruangkit will assume the role of acting prime minister. If Paetongtarn is ultimately dismissed, it will follow the ousting of her predecessor Srettha Thavisin last August for appointing a former lawyer with a controversial history to his cabinet.
Paetongtarn, the youngest leader in Thailand's history at 38 years of age and the second woman to hold the premiership, has seen her popularity plummet, with her approval ratings dipping to 9.2% from 30.9% earlier this year. Although she has apologized for her remarks, claiming they reflected a negotiation tactic over border disputes, conservative lawmakers accuse her of compromising Thailand’s military authority.
Adding to the political tumult, Paetongtarn's father, Thaksin Shinawatra, faces his own legal troubles, currently battling charges related to an old interview, which underlines the turbulent legacy of the Shinawatra family in Thai politics. His return to Thailand in 2023, after a long exile, was a pivotal moment negotiated between Pheu Thai and various conservative factions, marking a significant shift in the political landscape.
