Thailand’s Constitutional Court halts PM’s duties amid leaked Cambodia call scandal.
On July 1, Thailand’s Constitutional Court voted 7–2 to suspend Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra pending an ethics trial over a leaked June 15 call with Cambodia’s Hun Sen, in which she appeared to disparage a Thai military commander and promise support to Cambodia—a breach of constitutional ethics, say critics.
The scandal sparked immediate fallout: the Bhumjaithai Party exited the ruling coalition, and Paetongtarn’s approval ratings have nosedived to around 9 percent—a steep fall from 31 percent in March.
Deputy PM Suriya Juangroongruangkit has stepped in as interim leader, and a formal ethics trial looms—raising fears the ruling could end the Shinawatra political dynasty’s influence.
Analysts warn this move adds further instability to Thailand’s fragile government, amid broader concerns ranging from economic fragility to investor anxiety.
I’m Adedayo Obadina
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