The Prime Minister of Thailand has been suspended from office.
The Constitutional Court of Thailand has just decided to suspend Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from his position pending an investigation into the leaked telephone conversation with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen.
According to The Nation, the Thai Constitutional Court on July 1st approved a petition submitted by 36 senators requesting an investigation into Prime Minister Paetongtarn's alleged misconduct in the leaked phone call with Hun Sen.
The senators' motion accused Paetongtarn of violating the principles of public service and transparent governance, requesting the court to suspend her from her position as prime minister pending a review of the case. With a vote of 7 in favor and 2 against, the nine judges of the Thai Constitutional Court upheld the decision to suspend Prime Minister Paetongtarn from her duties from July 1st until a final ruling is issued.
Thai media believe that Paetongtarn had anticipated this scenario when she volunteered to take on the role of Minister of Culture. Holding this additional ministerial position allows Paetongtarn to still attend cabinet meetings while suspended from her position as prime minister.
"The Minister of Culture is not a B or C class position. It is still an important position. I will follow the Constitutional Court's procedures, although I have certain concerns," Paetongtarn stated on June 30.
In addition to the lawsuit at the Constitutional Court, Ms. Paetongtarn also faces investigations into alleged ethical violations conducted by the Office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission of Thailand.
The Thai government has not yet issued an official response to requests for comment regarding Paetongtarn's suspension from her position.
According to observers, early July is considered a "legal turning point" for the entire Shinawatra family, as the criminal trial related to allegations of lèse-majesté (treason) against former Prime Minister Thaksin will begin on July 1st.
The allegations against Thaksin stem from a 2015 interview with South Korean media. If convicted, the former Thai Prime Minister could face up to 15 years in prison.