PREVIEW

Thai Prime Minister Suspended After Leaked Phone Call Sparks Controversy. Thailand’s Constitutional Court has suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra while they consider a petition for her dismissal over a leaked phone call with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen. In the controversial call, Paetongtarn called Hun Sen “uncle” and criticized a Thai military commander, leading to public outrage and calls for her resignation. The court's decision follows mounting pressure on the Prime Minister, whose ruling coalition has already been weakened by a defection of a key ally two weeks ago. Paetongtarn was given 15 days to defend herself, while the deputy PM will serve as the acting leader. She will remain in the cabinet as culture minister. Despite the backlash, Paetongtarn defended the call, saying it was focused on the country’s interests and aimed at avoiding conflict and loss of life due to the border dispute. If dismissed, she will become the second prime minister from the Pheu Thai party to be removed by the Constitutional Court in less than a year. Paetongtarn’s approval rating has dropped to 9.2%, down from 30.9% in March, highlighting the growing dissatisfaction with her leadership. The Constitutional Court has been criticized for using its power to dissolve political parties and remove leaders, a practice that some say undermines democracy. The timing of the court’s decision coincides with political troubles faced by Paetongtarn’s father, Thaksin Shinawatra, who is on trial for insulting the monarchy. Thaksin’s return from 15 years in exile in 2023 was part of a political compromise between the Pheu Thai party and its former conservative rivals.
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