Thailand PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra suspended by constitutional court amid leak scandal

Deputy PM Suriya Juangroongruangkit to act as leader as thousands protest in bangkok; King endorses cabinet reshuffle

Bangkok: Thailand’s Constitutional Court on Tuesday suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from her duties after unanimously accepting a petition seeking her removal from office. The suspension is effective immediately, pending a final ruling on accusations of breaching the constitution and ethical standards related to a leaked phone call with Cambodian Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen on border issues.

The court stated that “temporary measures shall be taken” to “prevent serious and irreparable damage,” prohibiting Paetongtarn from exercising duties and powers related to national security, foreign affairs, and finance until a decision is reached.

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The decision follows a petition filed last month by a group of senators, accusing Paetongtarn of a “serious violation of ethical standards” due to the telephone conversation. Last week, thousands of protestors in Bangkok also demanded her resignation in response to the leaked call.

Speaking after the ruling, Paetongtarn stated she “humbly accepted the court’s decision” and would submit an explanation within 15 days as requested.

According to local media, Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit is set to assume the role of acting prime minister and will lead new cabinet members in a swearing-in ceremony on Thursday. This comes after Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn endorsed a cabinet reshuffle proposed by Paetongtarn earlier on Tuesday, following the exit of a key party from the ruling coalition.

Paetongtarn, 38, leader of the Pheu Thai Party and daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, was appointed prime minister last August, becoming Thailand’s youngest and second female premier after winning a parliamentary vote.