Thailand’s PM suspended by Constitutional Court

Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been suspended by the Constitutional Court as it investigates allegations of ethical misconduct linked to a recent diplomatic clash with Cambodia.

Paetongtarn, who assumed office less than a year ago, is accused of violating ministerial ethics during a border dispute in May that resulted in a Cambodian soldier’s death. A leaked audio recording revealed she referred to Cambodia’s former leader Hun Sen as “uncle” and called a Thai military commander her “opponent”, sparking criticism and backlash.

Conservative lawmakers claim her conduct breached constitutional standards demanding “evident integrity” and “ethical standards” from ministers.

“The Constitutional Court with a majority of 7-2 suspends the respondent from Prime Ministerial duty from July 1 until the Constitutional Court has made its ruling,” a court statement read.

The Pheu Thai party, led by Paetongtarn, has lost a major coalition partner due to the scandal. Over the weekend, thousands protested against her leadership in Bangkok.

Despite the turmoil, Thailand’s king has approved her cabinet reshuffle, which includes assigning herself the role of culture minister, though her eligibility for the role amid suspension remains unclear.

In a separate but parallel development, her father, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, appeared in criminal court facing lese majesty charges over a 2015 interview, carrying a possible 15-year sentence.

Analyst Thitinan Pongsudhirak noted, “there is a direct undeniable linkage between the two cases,” as the Shinawatra family brand faces “a critical dilution.”