Thai prime minister suspended by constitutional court over leaked phone call
Why a phone call could lead to downfall of Thai prime minister
- Thailand's constitutional court has suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from her duties.
- The suspension stems from a petition by 36 senators accusing her of dishonesty and ethical violations following a leaked phone call with Cambodia's former leader Hun Sen.
- In the controversial call, Ms Paetongtarn was heard criticising the Thai army's role in a border standoff with Cambodia, which she later apologised for, calling it a negotiating tactic.
- Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit is expected to lead a caretaker government, and Ms Paetongtarn has 15 days to present her defence to the court.
- This legal challenge is the latest for Ms Paetongtarn, occurring just 10 months into her tenure and amidst declining public support and recent large-scale protests demanding her resignation.