Thai Prime Minister suspended from office
The Thai Constitutional Court has just decided to suspend Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office to investigate the leak of a phone call with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen.
According to The Nation, on July 1, the Thai Constitutional Court approved a petition filed by 36 senators, requesting an investigation into Prime Minister Paetongtarn's violations in the leaked phone conversation with Mr. Hun Sen.
The senators’ motion accused Ms. Paetongtarn of violating the principles of public service and transparent governance, asking the court to suspend her from her position as prime minister while the case is considered. With a vote of 7 in favor and 2 against, the nine judges of the Constitutional Court of Thailand approved the decision to suspend Prime Minister Paetongtarn from her position from July 1 until the final verdict is issued.
Thai media said that Ms. Paetongtarn had anticipated this scenario when she proposed to take on the role of Minister of Culture. Taking on the additional position of Minister would allow Ms. Paetongtarn to still attend cabinet meetings while she was suspended from the position of Prime Minister.
"The Minister of Culture is not a B or C position. It is still an important position. I will follow the Constitutional Court's process, although I have certain concerns," Ms. Paetongtarn said on June 30.
In addition to the Constitutional Court case, Ms. Paetongtarn also faces investigations into alleged ethical violations by the Office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission.
The Thai government has yet to officially respond to a request for comment on Ms. Paetongtarn's suspension.
According to observers, early July is considered a "legal turning point" for the entire Shinawatra family, when the criminal trial related to the accusation of former Prime Minister Thaksin committing lese majeste will begin on July 1.
The charges 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.
