Thai court suspends PM over leaked phone call

Bangkok [Thailand], July 2: Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been suspended from office by the Constitutional Court over a leaked audio recording that has sparked a political crisis, according to Thai media outlets.
The court acted on Tuesday on a petition filed by Senate President Mongkol Surasajja. Paetongtarn's suspension will remain in place until the court issues a final ruling on whether her actions violated the constitution.
According to the Royal Gazette, Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai will assume her duties in the interim.
The controversy centres on a leaked phone conversation between Paetongtarn and Cambodia's former long-time leader, and now Senate president, Hun Sen, in which they discussed a simmering border dispute.
In the recording, Paetongtarn referred to Hun Sen as "uncle" and described a senior Thai military officer stationed in the border region as her "opponent."
The remarks sparked widespread criticism, with many interpreting them as an attempt to curry favour with him.
Although Paetongtarn later issued a public apology, the fallout was swift. The conservative Bhumjaithai Party, the second-largest member of the ruling coalition, withdrew from the alliance.
The scandal has triggered street protests, with demonstrators demanding Paetongtarn's resignation and fresh elections.
Source: Qatar Tribune